How to End Torturous Toothaches

The common toothache causes a great deal of human misery. Tooth pain may be constant or intermittent; it can feel sharp or dull. Some toothaches only occur when a tooth is subjected to pressure. Others throb relentlessly. Causes of toothaches include tooth decay, abscesses, gum infection, injuries or fractures, nighttime tooth grinding, and deteriorating or broken fillings. When toothaches are caused by bacterial infection a fever, headache, and unpleasant-smelling drainage may accompany the pain. Because they can signal a potentially serious problem, toothaches should not be ignored.

Your Dentist can Provide Toothache Relief

After performing a thorough examination and any needed x-rays, your dentist can determine the underlying cause of your tooth pain, and develop a treatment plan to address it. He or she can also provide medications to help reduce the agony. It’s especially important to see your dentist as soon as possible if your tooth pain has lasted more than two days, it is severe, or you have fever, ear pain, or pain when you open your mouth. These symptoms may signal a serious infection, and dental infections can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and bloodstream.

Treating and Preventing Toothache

If a cavity or severe injury is the source of pain, your dentist may fill or extract your tooth. Infections of a tooth’s nerve may require a root canal procedure. If the infection is accompanied by fever or jaw swelling, you may receive antibiotics. In some cases, cold-laser phototherapy may help relieve inflammation and pain. Because a toothache can often be caused by tooth decay, the best prevention is strict oral hygiene and regular professional care. So, if you want to eliminate the need for toothache relief in the first place, be sure to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and floss every day. Schedule regular dental checkups and cleaning appointments. If you tend to have an unusual amount of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend dental sealants to help protect your teeth.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in South Bend, call The Dental Center of Indiana today or make an appointment.

The Dental Center offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in South Bend. With 4 affiliated practices throughout Indiana, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At The Dental Center of Indiana, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at The Dental Center of Indiana.