Toothache 101: Symptoms and Causes

By Elizabeth "Andie" Shin, DDS

Bethesda Chevy Chase Pediatric Dentistry

. https://bccpediatricdentistry.com/

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Toothache 101: Symptoms and Causes

What Is a Toothache and What Are the Symptoms and Common Causes?

A toothache is a throbbing pain that is usually due to tooth decay or tooth infection, such as tooth abscesses and tooth root inflammation. If you suspect your child has a toothache, be sure to schedule an appointment with their pediatric dentist immediately!

The Most Common Symptoms of a Toothache Are:

• a throbbing pain
• bad breath
• sensitivity to hot and cold
• pain when chewing
• pain when swallowing
• pain when breathing through the nose
• red and swollen gums / gum inflammation
• Common Causes of Toothaches
• tooth decay
• tooth infection
• tooth abscesses
• tooth root inflammation
• temporomandibular joint dysfunction
• tooth grinding

How To Treat Toothaches

If you suspect your child has a toothache, be sure to schedule an appointment with their dentist immediately! In the meantime, there are a few things you can do at home to help relieve the pain:

• Apply a cold compress to the area of toothache
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief
• Rinse the mouth with warm water
• Gently brush the teeth and gums with a toothbrush

Prevention Tips For Toothaches

• There are a few things you can do to help prevent toothaches in your children:
• Make sure they brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss their teeth once a day.
• Take them for regular dental checkups.
• If they are prone to tooth decay, have them drink fluoridated water and eat fluoride-rich foods.

Let’s Review What We’ve Learned About Toothaches

A toothache is a throbbing pain that is usually due to tooth decay or tooth infection. If you suspect your child has a toothache, be sure to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist immediately! We reviewed a few things you can do at home to help relieve the pain. We also discussed some common symptoms and causes of toothaches and a few things you can do at home to prevent them such as brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, taking children for regular dental checkups.

Now you know more about toothaches!  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask your favorite dentist.