About Tooth Aches
Toothaches can refer to pain coming directly from the tooth, gums, jaw or muscles involved in the chewing process. In most cases, toothaches require a visit to the dentist and a thorough examination, which most likely will include X-rays, to determine the origin of the pain and decide on the best treatment course.
Types
Many things can cause toothaches, from simple cavities to deep fractures. Cavities are the most common cause of toothaches, followed by gum disease, which can cause not only inflammation but also loss of bone. Tooth root sensitivities can also cause toothaches, varying in intensity from a simple reaction to cold drinks to intense reactions to cold, hot or even sour elements. More serious causes of toothaches include a fracture, which is often invisible to the naked eye, or impacted teeth, usually connected to the molar or wisdom teeth.
Considerations
Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome can cause tooth pain because it tightens the muscles of the jaw and neck. When pain is so intense that it affects chewing, dentists may recommend taking anti-inflammatory drugs or temporarily switching to a soft-foods diet. Therapy that involves massage and certain repetition exercises may also relax the jaw muscles and in turn alleviate toothaches.
Solution
Slight sensitivity to cold may respond well to a special-formula toothpaste, but most other toothaches should be treated by a dentist. Cavities require a dental filling or a crown, except when a cavity has reached the pulp of the tooth, in which case a root canal is needed to prevent further complications and infections. Pain due to gum disease may require a deep cleaning or root-planing surgery, while other types of dental problems may lead to an extraction.
Significance
The intensity of tooth pain varies from a slight ache, mostly caused by cavities or cold sensitivity, to a sharp, pulsating pain that requires emergency care. Impacted teeth in particular can be extremely painful and lead to swollen gums, infection and inflammation. Toothaches that are so severe that they interfere with normal eating and drinking may indicate the presence of an infection and require antibiotics or other type of medication before treatment can even be attempted.
Expert Insight
Some toothaches can be treated at home by using a different toothpaste or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Most, however, require the intervention of a dentist. This is because teeth themselves have no sensitivity to pain, and the presence of a toothache indicates an obvious complication, such as the root being exposed. Ear pain, when it occurs at the same time as a toothache, usually indicates an advanced infection.
Tags: cause toothaches, from simple, Tooth Aches, tooth pain