What are the symptoms of a toothache?
Because the symptoms of a toothache may resemble other medical conditions or dental problems, it can be difficult to diagnose the cause without a complete evaluation by your dentist. If you notice pus near the source of the pain, your tooth may have become abscessed, causing the surrounding bone to become infected. Or the pus could indicate gum disease, which usually is characterized by inflammation of the soft tissue and abnormal loss of bone surrounding the teeth. Contact your dentist immediately if you have any of the following symptoms: Fever Difficulty breathing or swallowing Swelling around the tooth area Pain when you bite A foul-tasting discharge How do I alleviate the pain if I cannot see my dentist right away? Anyone with a toothache should see a dentist at once for diagnosis and treatment because, if left untreated, your condition can worsen.
Here, w will discuss the most common symptoms of a toothache, but the way symptoms present themselves could vary with each individual. These signs include a constant, throbbing pain in the tooth, swollen and bleeding gums and discomfort when pressure is applied or the tooth is exposed to air. It can also be sensitive to hot or cold foods or the jaw in the area of the tooth can be tender and sore. In some cases, fever and a general feeling of malaise can occur. Chewing may aggravate all of the above pain. To identify a cause, dental x-rays and exams may need to be performed by a qualified dentist.
Because of the symptoms of a toothache many resemble other medical conditions or dental problems, it can be difficult to diagnose the cause without a complete evaluation by a dentist. If you notice pus near the source of the pain, your tooth may have become abscessed, causing the surrounding bone to become infected. Or the pus could indicate gum disease, which usually is characterized by inflammation of the soft tissue and abnormal loss of bone surrounding the teeth.
If your toothache is caused by a cavity, you’ll probably notice increased sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods as the decay reaches the middle layer of the tooth. When it spreads to the nerve center of the tooth, or pulp, you’ll have a toothache. The result may be a dull ache or agonizing, throbbing pain. If you’ve recently had dental work — including a filling, surgery, or routine cleaning — and your tooth hurts when you bite down or becomes increasingly sensitive over time, report this problem promptly to your dentist. Such symptoms may be the sign that an uneven filling needs adjusting or that there’s nerve damage to your tooth. If you have swelling, stabbing pain when you bite down, a bitter taste in your mouth, swollen glands in your neck, or foul-smelling breath, you may have an abscess. This is a serious condition that should be treated right away. When should I call the dentist? As soon as you notice the first symptoms.
