Everything You Need to Know About Toothaches

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Man with toothache brushing teeth

More likely than not, you’ve experienced a toothache before. Whether it be one that lasts for a few hours or one that won’t seem to go away, there are a few things to be aware of to better understand the severity of your issues and whether medical treatment should be sought.

In this blog, we will discuss the different types of toothaches, common causes, and the treatment options that are available to ensure your small toothache doesn’t become a big problem.

The different types of toothaches

While there are many different types of toothaches that one can have, there are a few common aches that you may have experienced at some point in your life.

There is the dull, persistent toothache that doesn’t hurt too badly but is enough to bother you from time to time. There is the toothache that comes from eating or drinking something that is very warm or very cold. There is the sharp ache that can come at a moment’s notice when chewing, then eases after a few minutes. And there is dreading severe and throbbing pain that just won’t seem to go away.

Each of these aches provides a unique problem and their causes and treatment can differ from person to person.

The most common causes of toothaches

While it’s true that a toothache can be caused by a wide range of variables, it is commonly attributed to lifestyle choices, genetics, and overall oral health.

The dull, persistent toothache is usually seen in people who have something lodged in their teeth or gums, people who regularly grind their teeth, or those who have an abscessed tooth.

If you have sensitivity to hot or cold food, you can have anything from worn-down enamel, tooth decay, a fractured tooth, damaged fillings, gum disease, and more.

A sharp toothache can also be wide ranging but is typically from a cavity, tooth decay, or a filling/crown that is damaged or has fallen out.

Severe throbbing can also be from a variety of sources but is typically associated with severely damaged or infected teeth, teeth roots, or gums.

How to deal with a toothache

Treatment for a toothache depends on a case-by-case basis but can include the issuing of medication, the removal of a tooth, the filling of a cavity, a root canal, and other emergency dentistry services.

Should you have a lasting toothache that won’t seem to go away and you’d like to have it looked at by a professional, we ask that you reach out to our team at the Center for Implant Dentistry.

Our oral surgeon has the years of experience to handle any issues associated with a toothache and can have your teeth feeling normal again.

Feb. 9 is National Toothache Day, and while it’s a day no one likes to celebrate, we always like to remind our patients to come in and see us at this time of year should they be experiencing a persistent ache of any severity.

To schedule an appointment, we ask that you call our talented staff today at 661-663-9600.