A toothache is a pain caused due to infection and inflammation of the pulp (blood vessels and nerves) inside the tooth. It can also be caused by various factors like injury, tooth eruption, abnormal biting habits, tooth decay, and maligned teeth.
Signs and symptoms
- Pain in teeth and jaw while chewing
- Tenderness
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Fever
- Swelling
Causes and treatment of toothache
- Tooth Cavity: Damage to the tooth enamel caused by bacteria and other sugary foods. A filling by the dentist is the treatment option.
- Tooth Decay: Brownish discolouration of the tooth surface due to acids, plaque, and bacteria. Filling, crown placement, and extraction by the dentist are the available treatment options.
- Damaged tooth: A crack in the tooth due to injury, biting hard objects, or grinding teeth. Root canal treatment and crown placement by the dentist.
- Dental abscess: A bacterial infection with pus at the roots of the tooth. Antibiotics and drainage of the pus by the endodontist.
- Gingivitis: A Bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the gums. Scaling and root planning by a dentist.
- Periodontal disease: Infection that damages the connective tissues of the gums. Scaling, root planning, and extraction by the dentist.
How to prevent toothache in children
- Brushing twice daily with soft bristles
- Rinsing the mouth with warm water
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse
- Using dental floss to get rid of food particles between teeth
- Apply cold compression to the outside of the cheek
- Taking prescribed medications
- Avoid sugar and starch products
- Regular dental checkups
