The soft material inside the tooth, known as the
pulp, is filled with nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. These nerves are some
of the most sensitive in the body, and when they become irritated or infected
by bacteria (abscess), they can cause severe pain, referred to as toothache.
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A toothache is a common symptom of an underlying
dental or oral problem typically characterized by pain in or around a tooth.
Minor toothaches can result from temporary gum irritation, which can be treated
at home. However, more severe toothaches may require professional intervention.
If left untreated, toothaches caused by tooth decay can worsen over time.
Although usually not life-threatening, in some cases, toothaches can be referred
from another part of the body, indicating a more serious medical condition that
requires urgent medical attention.
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Causes of toothache
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Toothache is a common problem caused by various
issues, ranging from a cavity to a sinus infection. The most common reasons for
a toothache are decay, an infection, a cracked tooth, gum disease, and grinding
or clenching the teeth.Â
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Other causative factors may include exposed nerve
endings in a tooth, damaged fillings, trauma or injury, or a foreign object
lodged between the teeth. Sometimes sinus infections, jaw joint problems, and
even certain foods can cause toothache. It is crucial to see a dentist for a
proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Toothache can be a warning sign of heart and lung
disease due to its connection with the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain
to the heart and lungs and passes through the jaw. In addition, certain
neurological conditions can cause inflammation or irritation of nerves
triggering toothache.
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Symptoms of toothacheÂ
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Toothaches can manifest in many forms and
intensities. Pain may be transient or persistent and can worsen upon
consumption of hot or cold food and beverages. The sensation may be described
as sharp and abrupt in onset and often intensifies during the night or when
lying down. Common symptoms of toothache include:
Sometimes, a person may also experience fever,
headache, earache, facial swelling, and lymph node swelling.
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Treatment for toothache
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Temporary relief from a toothache can be achieved
by:
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In case of progressive toothache, temporary remedies
will not be helpful and may require professional assistance. The clinical
treatment module largely depends on the toothache's causative factor. The
doctor may perform diagnostic procedures such as physical examination and
imaging tests to detect and examine the cause and severity of the condition and
may recommend one of the following treatment procedures:
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Medication – Over-the-counter
drugs such as ibuprofen can be advised to reduce the pain. If the toothache is
accompanied by a fever or swelling of the jaw, an antibiotic may be added as
part of the treatment plan.
Filling the cavity -Â If
a toothache is caused by tooth decay, the dentist will remove the decayed area
and replace it with a filling. Alternatively, if a loose or broken filling
causes toothache, the dentist will take out the filling, remove any decay
present in the tooth, and replace the filling with a new one.
Root Canal -Â For
treating infected tooth pulp, you may need root canal treatment, which entails
the removal of the infected pulp and inserting a special filling to seal the
tooth and prevent re-infection.Â
Dental extraction -Â If
the toothache cannot be treated using these methods, or if the tooth is
impacted between another tooth and jaw, it may need to be extracted.
Tips to Prevent Toothache
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Preventing toothache is essential and can be
achieved by following simple steps.
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