Toothache Remedies

Most Common Causes for Toothache and Remedies

Here are some of the most common reasons for toothaches and some actions you can take to make you more comfortable until you can see your dentist.

Dull ache not limited to just one tooth

The inflammation from buildup of dental plaque and gum recession. Due to large quantities of bacteria in the mouth. This can be associated with the beginnings or advanced periodontal disease (gym disease). Often occurs when a patient hasn't been to the dentist fir extended periods of time.

Sharp pain that quickly goes away

Usually Associated with root sensitivity due to gum recession associated with aging, grinding your teeth (abfraction), over brushing or normal wear and tear

Lingering, consistent dull ache

Usually associated with nerve (dental pulp) damage. Can be caused by advanced tooth decay , teeth hitting too hard, excessive grinding (bruxism), or trauma to teeth or jaws. Often time this pain occurs prior to a tooth abcess.

A pulsating throb

This can be associated with an acute infection accompanied by a swollen face. A tooth abcess can be one of the most intense pains in the body and needs to be treated promptly. In cases of severe infection a patient may need to go to the hospital.

Heat sensitivity

Is more rare and is usually associated with nerve damage occasionally found with a crack, deep caries, or a tooth abcess.

Sensitivity to cold or sweets that passes quickly

This is usually the sign of a cavity

Sharp pain to biting

Either when biting down or releasing your bite is the sign of a cracked tooth. This is very common in teeth with large silver (amalgam fillings)known as C.T.S. or "cracked tooth syndrome"

Sharp sporadic pain

Commonly associated with muscle pain- is usually associated with bruxism (tooth grinding) or clenching while you are sleeping and is often most severe when waking up. Dull, intermittent pain in back of jaw that radiates- usually includes 2nd molar and is associated with an impacted wisdom tooth.

Occasionally what seems like a tooth ache can be a sign of something else

• pain in left side of jaw can be a sign of a heart attack due to lack of blood supply from the heart muscle
• pain in multiple upper molar teeth that can throb or worsen when biting ore eating/ drinking cold can be a sign of a sinus infection. This is because molar roots are often very close to the floor of the sinus
• soreness that occurs when chewing can actually be a symptom of TMJD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)

For releif from toothache take ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and avoid hot or cold foods. A warm saltwater rinse can clean area. If accompanied by swelling use ice pack, An over the counter cream or gel containing benzocaine may help. DO NOT place aspirin on the area. It is a good idea to call your dentist and schedule a visit to identify the cause of the toothache.

If you need emergency dental care and live in the South Hills of Pittsburgh including Mt.Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, McMurray, South Fayette and Washington PA areas call our dental office to schedule an emergency visit.