Dental Health and Toothaches

A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth that may be caused by:
Tooth decay, Abscessed tooth, Tooth fracture, a damaged filling, Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth, infected gums

Symptoms of a toothache may include:
Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth.
Swelling around the tooth
Fever or headache
Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth

When Should I See a Dentist About a Toothache?
 

• See your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if:
• You have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
• Your toothache is severe
• You have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide

Proper identification and treatment of dental infections is important to prevent its spread to other parts of the face and skull and possibly even to the bloodstream.

How Can Toothaches Be Prevented?

Since most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, following good oral hygiene practices can prevent toothaches. Good oral hygiene practices consist of brushing regularly with fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing once daily, and seeing your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning. In addition to these practices, eat foods low in sugar and ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications.