Toothache
People have long been conditioned to fear toothaches and expect the worst when they surface. Some people will take their aversion to treatment so far that they avoid it to the point where more extreme and evasive techniques eventually become necessary to correct the damage. But current dental procedures have progressed greatly and much of the fear is unwarranted. Or, at least, the overall benefit from promptly treating a toothache far outweighs the detriment from leaving it to fester.
In most cases, a toothache is nothing to be frightened about, but it should be a concern. Whether caused by a dental problem or related to a more serious medical condition, toothaches should not be ignored. Once there, they are unlikely to go away without treatment.
Toothaches can be caused by a number of factors, with tooth decay at the top of the list. Poor diet and dental care can result in deterioration of the tooth and gums. When this happens, nerve endings are exposed and painful sensations are sparked by the slightest provocation. An infected or abscessed tooth is also a frequently accompanied by serious pain. People who grind their teeth are also at risk for toothache because teeth can become chipped, cracked or fractured in the process. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when back molars do not break through the surface of the gums and can even push into other teeth.
The type of pain that occurs can be indicative of the particular condition present. Pains that are sharp, and not constant, or that are associated with sensitivity, may indicate gum recession, enamel loss or a cavity in the tooth. Pain that is constant and prolonged – even chronic – is very likely the result of nerve damage. Throbbing pain in swollen areas is probably related to an infection or abscess. When pain occurs while eating – a cavity or tooth fracture is the probable culprit. Pain in the jaw area can probably be attributed to Temperomandibular Joint disorder which is commonly called TMJ. This condition – which can require surgery in some cases – affects the joint where the jaw attaches to the skull.
While these factors are frequently to blame, that is not always the case and this is why a toothache should always be checked by a dentist. There are cases when a toothache can be indicative of a more serious underlying medical condition. Some studies have suggested that pain on the left side of the jaw can be a signal of an oncoming heart attack. Also, pain in the molars could be related to a sinus infection and not a dental problem.
When a toothache occurs – invariably over the weekend or during evening hours when visiting a dentist is impractical at best – there are ways to ease the pain, if not temporarily subdue it. Any of a number of over the counter pain killers including aspirin and ibuprofen can be very helpful in dulling the ache. Other medications such as benzocaine are topically applied directly to the affected tooth for relief. For generations people have swilled warm saltwater in the mouths or applied ice packs to ease the discomfort.
When the pain persists and treatment is necessary, a nightmarish scenario is unlikely. Many toothaches can be fixed with relatively unobtrusive procedures like dental fillings and crowns or root canals. Infections may be treatable simply with antibiotics. Even if surgery is required, it’s still better than the alternative – continued decay and further pain and discomfort.