Aside from being painful, toothaches can also affect a person’s lifestyle, mood, and overall health. Normally, pain is our body’s way of communicating that something is not quite right.
Some toothaches come and go, while other toothaches cause consistent pain. It’s important to note that there are a variety of pain levels associated with toothaches. Pain can feel dull and achy or sharp and jagged depending on the source of the pain.
The signs and symptoms of tooth pain include:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods/beverages that lasts longer than 60 seconds
- Pain in the jaw or ears
- Pain in or near a tooth that lasts for more than 48 hours
- Swelling in the mouth
- Fever or headaches
- Painful, puffy, or bleeding gums
If you experience any of these symptoms, you could have an infection in one or more teeth. Treating this immediately is extremely important since the infection can spread to other areas of the body, including the brain and heart. If left untreated, the infection could lead to a life-threatening condition.
Treatment Options
Mild toothaches can be treated from home, but it’s a still a good idea to visit your dentist to rule out infection. If tooth pain is left untreated for a prolonged period of time, your dentist may have to extract it.
Some home remedies for extremely mild tooth pain include:
- Gargle with warm saltwater
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Rub clove oil on the affected area(s)
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods
Standard treatment options for tooth pain include:
- For gum disease or periodontitis: brush and floss the teeth properly every day
- For minor decay: a tooth filling may be required
- For extensive infection: a root canal may be required
- For severely infected teeth: an extraction (removal) may be required
If you experience tooth pain, it is imperative to consult with a Los Angeles dentist right away. Untreated tooth pain can lead to severe dental problems and other health issues. For further information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Moradzadeh please contact Crystal Dental Center at 213.748.8448 or visit www.CrystalDentalCenters.com to learn more.
