While tooth decay is often the primary cause of a toothache, it’s important for you to have a complete oral examination to determine the cause. Other causes of a toothache can include the following:
Infection
Gum disease
Grinding teeth (bruxism)
Tooth trauma
An abnormal bite
Tooth eruption (in babies and school-age children)
TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), sinus or ear infections, and tension in the facial muscles can cause discomfort that resembles a toothache, but often these health problems are accompanied by a headache.
Pain around the teeth and the jaws can be symptoms of heart disease such as angina. If your dentist suspects a medical illness could be the cause of your toothache, he or she may refer you to a physician.（Teeth Whitening Machine for Sale）
If you have a toothache, you may have a cavity or advanced gum disease. The first sign of decay may be the pain you feel when you eat something sweet, very cold or very hot. If the pulp – the inside of the tooth that has tissue and nerves – has become irritated, this can cause pain in your tooth.
How do I alleviate the pain if I cannot see my dentist right away?
Anyone with a toothache should see a dentist at once for diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, a toothache and the condition that is causing it can worsen. However, if you are unable to schedule an emergency appointment, the following self-care treatment can temporarily alleviate pain and inflammation from a toothache:
Rinse with warm salt water
Gently floss teeth to dislodge any food particles trapped between teeth.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve pain.
Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth, as it may burn the gum tissue.（alan dental）
Apply an over-the-counter antiseptic containing benzocaine directly to the irritated tooth and gum to temporarily relieve pain. Direct application of oil of cloves (eugenol) may also help to numb the gums. The oil may be rubbed directly on the sore area, or soak a small piece of cotton and apply it to the sore tooth.
If there has been some trauma to the tooth, a cold compress may be applied on the outside cheek to relieve pain or swelling.
Is there a way to prevent a toothache?
The key to preventing toothaches is establishing a regular oral hygiene routine and sticking to it. For example, failure to brush and floss regularly after meals can significantly increase your risk of developing cavities, which can cause toothaches.
Here are a few tips to help reduce your risk for developing a toothache:
Brush at least twice a day, preferably after meals and snacks.
Floss at least once a day to prevent gum disease.
Visit your dentist regularly for oral examinations and a professional cleaning.