Tooth Pain
Tooth pain or a toothache typically refers to the tooth area, the area directly surrounding the tooth a.k.a. periodontium, or the jaw. Tooth pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. Some of the most common causes of tooth pain are cracked teeth, decay (cavities), missing fillings, clenching and grinding (bruxism), exposed tooth roots, gum disease, and trauma.
Tooth pain can occur gradually, or suddenly. Tooth pain can be mild or intense. Almost all tooth pain except pain resulting from a fracture or trauma is due to an underlying infection. Your mouth is full of bacteria in your saliva. For example, when saliva, which contains bacteria that causes dental cavities, gets into areas that your toothbrush cannot clean such as a leaking filling or crown, infection and pain can ensue.
Symptoms of a toothache
- Dull, gnawing pain that seems to radiate in an area of your mouth or around a tooth
- Sharp, pulsating, throbbing or constant pain
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Pain when releasing after biting into something dense.
- Gums that chronically bleed or are painful
- A bad taste in a particular area of your mouth
- Headache or neckache
- Pain in front of your ear, at the TMJ joint
Causes of a toothache
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Cracked tooth
- Missing crown or filling
- Clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Trauma
- Exposed tooth roots (abfractions)
- Neuralgia
- Recent sinus infections
Triggers
- Thermal (Hot or Cold Foods)
- Sweet foods
- Chewing dense foods
- Chewing sticky foods
- Stress
- Immune suppression
- Comorbidities i.e. diabetes, depression, heart disease
If you are experiencing tooth pain or feel like you have a toothache, have no fear! Call your Raleigh dentist Dr. Justin Russo and his friendly, professional staff to schedule a same-day exam and X-Ray of the area that is causing you pain.
Raleigh dentist Dr. Justin Russo, through his extensive experience in emergency dentistry training, will generate a written plan of action and in most cases will be able to treat your pain the very same day!
