Toothache

what is a toothache?

A Toothache is a pain which is caused when the nerves of the tooth or the surrounding  tissues of the tooth gets irritated. However pain can be differentiated, pain that occurs from tooth is sharp and pain that occurs from gums are vague type. Some times pain from other surrounding areas can radiates to the jaw and thus appear like a toothache, most commonly jam joint, sinusitis, ear pain and even heart problems.

A regular salt water rinse and cold compression application can typically remedy minor irritation temporarily. but for minor or any serious toothache may require Dentist's intervention.

If you have toothache, it's important to figure out what is the cause of your discomfort. One of the most common cause of tooth ache is dental caries.

what is dental caries?

Dental caries is nothing but damage to the tooth cause by some bacteria in the mouth breakdown food products to produce acid , which attack and destroys the surface of the tooth leading  to cavities, if u treated at early stage may cause pain, infections, swelling and even abscess.

sounds complicated? let's understand it better.
Stages of tooth decay

So, There are four stages of dental caries depending on the extent of the damage to tooth. 
  •  In stage 1 and 2, you wont feels any discomfort (i.e., because outer surface enamel have no nerve supply and non-vital).
  • But when the caries/cavity reaches the dentin(stage-3), your may feel sharp pain, which gets serve when you eat cold, sweet, etc.,
  • Even then, if you ignore, the caries/cavity may reach the pulp and later to root end (stage-4) leading to severe pain, swelling and even abscess. 
    who can get toothache?

who can get dental caries/tooth decay ?

Though there are several factors. It is shocking but,yes! everyone is  potential to dental caries.
Tooth decay remains the most common in children aged 6-11 years and adolescents aged 12-19 years. dental caries also affects adults, with 9 out of 10 over the age of 20 having some degree of dental caries.
when you should dentist immediately?

when one should go to Dentist immediately?

 You should go to dentist as soon as possible about your toothache, If:
  • You have a toothache that lasts for a day. 
  • Toothache is severe.
  • You have a fever, swelling, or pain on opening your mouth wide.
  • Even for sharp, intermittent pain that relieves itself or by some home remedies. Because toothache is alarm for any irritation on the tooth (tooth decay) or tissues surrounding tooth (gum problem).
Proper identification and treatment of dental infection is important to prevent its spread to other parts of the face and even to bloodstream.
Dental checkup

what Dentist would do for your toothache?

  • Dentist will obtain your medical and dental history. 
  • Ask questions about the pain like type of pain, when it is started, persistence, severity, location of pain, what make pain worse, what makes better.
  • Examination of your mouth such as teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, throat, sinuses and neck. 
  • X- ray may be taken and other tests if needed, depending on what your dentist suspects.
    Treatment options for toothache

what treatment are available for toothache?

Treatment for the toothache depends on the stage of tooth decay.

  • Cavity restoration: If the toothache is due to cavity (i.e., stage 3- caries has reached dentin), then your dentist will fill the cavity using restorative material. 
  • A root canal may be needed if the carious infection of bacteria made their way into the root end (stage-4) causing toothache, swelling, fever etc., for which antibiotic would be prescribed.
  • Extraction of tooth, if necessary.
    how to prevent toothache/ tooth decay/ cavities?

how to prevent tooth decay/ dental caries/ toothache?

good oral hygiene can help prevent tooth decay:
  • Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
  • Clean between your teeth daily with floss or inter-dental cleaner
  • Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking
  • Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination
  • Check with your dentist about use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and about use of dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay.