Tooth Pain

What are the types of tooth pain?

There are several different types of tooth pain, depending on the underlying cause. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• A persistent, dull ache 
• Sharp, jabbing, or throbbing tooth pain
• Teeth sensitivity

Alongside tooth pain, you may also have:

• Discharge or bleeding from your gums or around a tooth
• Swelling in your gums or around your tooth or jaw
• Headaches
• Fever
• Chills
• Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth

You may be experiencing a dental emergency if you have extreme tooth pain alongside fever and chills. You should contact LaSante Health Center immediately or go to your nearest emergency room. You may have an infection that could spread to other areas of your body.

What causes tooth pain?

Potential tooth pain causes include:

• Cavities
• Tooth decay
• A dental abscess 
• A cracked tooth
• A damaged crown or filling
• An infection
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Gum disease
• Wisdom teeth
• Issues with braces or other orthodontic appliances

Depending on the cause, your tooth pain may come and go or persist for longer than two days. To reduce pain while you wait to see a provider, you can apply an ice pack and use over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen and ibuprofen).

How do you treat tooth pain? 

Your provider at LaSante Health Center first performs an examination and discusses your symptoms. They may also take a dental X-ray to diagnose the cause of your tooth pain.

Your provider then determines the best treatment to meet your needs, which may include:

• Antibiotics and/or pain relievers 
• Oral devices like a mouth guard (for sleep-related bruxism) 
• Dental filling
• Dental crown
• Root scaling and planing 
• Inlay or onlay 
• Root canal therapy 
• Tooth extraction 

If you need a tooth extraction and a replacement tooth, your provider can discuss dental bridge or implant options. 

How do I prevent tooth pain?

You should practice good oral hygiene to prevent tooth sensitivity and issues that lead to tooth pain, like cavities and gum disease. This includes: 

• Brushing your teeth twice a day
• Flossing daily
• Using a fluoride toothpaste
• Regular teeth cleanings (LaSante Health Center recommends this twice a year) 
• Avoiding smoking 
• Avoiding habits like chewing on pencils or fingernails

Call LaSante Health Center or request an appointment online today for expert dental care.