What Does a Toothache Feel Like? Symptoms, Causes, & Relief

Many individuals experience toothaches as a typical dental issue at some stage of their life. The pain can be excruciating and interfere with your daily activities. Therefore, it’s essential to understand what a toothache feels like so that you can seek appropriate treatment. In this post, we’ll dive into the anatomy of a toothache and explain the different types of tooth pain, including what triggers them. 

 

The Anatomy of a Toothache

A tooth comprises different components, including enamel, dentin, pulp, and nerves. The outermost layer of the tooth is called enamel, and it’s the hardest substance in the human body. It helps to prevent damage and decay of the tooth. The dentin is a softer layer beneath the enamel that contains minuscule tubes that connect to the pulp. The pulp is the tooth’s innermost layer containing nerves and blood vessels. Tooth pain can be caused by damage or infection to any of these components. 

 

What Does a Toothache Feel Like? Understanding the Symptoms

Let’s describe the sensations and related symptoms that indicate a toothache, so you can take steps to find relief.

Toothache pain can be quite varied, depending on its cause. Common sensations include throbbing, dull aches, sharp pain, and sensitivity to pressure or temperature. The pain may be localised to one tooth or radiate to the jaw, ear, or even neck. The level of pain intensity can vary from mild to severe, making it difficult to go about your day-to-day activities. A toothache can also lead to secondary symptoms such as fever, swelling, and headache, which can add to the discomfort and indicate a more severe infection.

Depending on the underlying issue, the pain sensation may change. For instance, if a cavity has reached the pulp of the tooth, you may experience sharp or shooting pain that intensifies when you bite down. If you have gum disease, You may observe that your gums appear to be red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. If you have a cracked or broken tooth, you may experience occasional pain that intensifies when you bite down on that tooth.

A toothache can also cause related symptoms that are often associated with infections. For example, you may experience facial swelling, fever, and headache. Prompt treatment is required when these symptoms appear as they suggest that the infection has spread to the surrounding tissue. Additionally, If you experience worsening pain while lying down or detect a foul taste or odour in your mouth, it is possible that you have a dental abscess. A dental abscess is a severe condition that needs urgent attention to prevent the infection from spreading. 

 

Types of Tooth Pain

Tooth pain can feel different for everyone, and various factors can cause it. Some common types of tooth pain include: 

 

Sensitive Teeth Pain

If you feel mild pain or discomfort while consuming cold food or drinks like ice cream, you likely have sensitive teeth. This type of tooth pain is caused by the exposure of the dentin layer beneath the enamel to extreme temperatures. When the dentin layer is exposed, it triggers nerves in the teeth, leading to pain. One of the best solutions for sensitive teeth is using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. To avoid the pain, you should also refrain from consuming foods and drinks that trigger it. 

 

Throbbing Tooth Pain

Throbbing tooth pain is the most severe type of tooth pain you can ever experience. This tooth pain is often caused by an abscess or infection that could spread to the surrounding tissues. It is critical to see a dentist as soon as possible in this case. Over-the-counter painkillers can help temporarily ease the pain, but these do not treat the underlying cause of the problem. 

 

Sharp Pain While Chewing

Sharp pain is a common type of tooth pain, usually caused by a cavity or a cracked tooth. The pain is usually localised, and the tooth could feel sensitive when consuming hot or cold foods.

In such situations, a visit to the dentist is highly recommended.

Treatment options often include filling a cavity or repairing a chipped or broken tooth. 

 

Referred Pain

If you have pain in a tooth, it could be caused by a problem in another part of your body. That is called referred pain. For instance, if you have sinusitis or ear infection, it might cause pain in your teeth. It’s advisable to see a dentist if you experience referred pain in your teeth, so they can make sure there are no dental issues causing it. 

 

Dull Ache

A dull ache is a persistent and usually mild type of tooth pain that various factors, such as tooth grinding or gum disease, can cause. This type of pain usually does not go away on its own and requires dental treatment to resolve it. 

 

 

Dental Treatment Pain

Dental treatment pain is a type of toothache experienced during or after certain dental procedures. This tooth pain can arise from treatments such as wisdom teeth removal, root canal therapy, or tooth extraction. 

1. Wisdom teeth, the last teeth that grow in the back of the mouth, may cause discomfort during extraction due to the pressure they exert on surrounding teeth and gums. 
2. Similarly, an infected tooth, which can be treated with a root canal, may also cause temporary pain due to the inflammation in the area. 
3. Tooth extraction, on the other hand, is a common procedure that may cause some discomfort during and after treatment. 

Communicating any pain or discomfort to your dental professional is always recommended to ensure prompt treatment and pain management. 

 

Overview Of The Various Factors That Can Lead To A Toothache

We previously mentioned some ailments that could cause dental pain but let’s understand why these factors can cause discomfort and pain:

1. Tooth decay – When bacteria in your mouth break down the sugars and carbohydrates from the food you consume, they produce acids that erode the enamel, eventually leading to tooth decay. That can result in tooth sensitivity and pain that worsens as the decay progresses.
2. Gum disease – The accumulation of bacteria and plaque in the mouth can lead to gum disease, which is characterised by inflammation and infection of the gums, leading to pain in the teeth. As gum disease progresses, the tooth’s supporting structures, such as the bone and ligament, can get affected, causing discomfort during chewing or biting.
3. Tooth abscess – The presence of bacteria that starts from the root or pulp of the tooth results in a tooth abscess. It can cause severe throbbing pain, sensitivity to temperature, and even swelling in the gums and jawbone.
4. Tooth fracture or chipping – Any trauma or injury to the tooth can lead to a crack or chip. That exposes the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, which can cause a sharp or dull pain that worsens while biting or chewing.
5. Grinding teeth – also known as bruxism, refers to the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, which can cause small fractures or cracks in the teeth. That can lead to sharp pain and sensitivity while eating or drinking.
6. Orthodontic treatment – Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, can cause a toothache due to the pressure caused by the movement of the teeth.
7. Sinusitis – Sinus infections can cause toothache due to the sinuses being located so closely to the roots of the teeth. That can lead to referred pain or a dull ache that radiates from the upper jaw or cheekbone.
8. TMJ – Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that affects the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles, leading to pain in the teeth. 

 

When It’s Important To Seek Professional Help From A Dentist?

Being vigilant about warning signs and complications associated with ignoring a toothache is crucial, and when it’s necessary, seek help from a dentist. 

 

Warning Signs

Toothaches can manifest in several ways, including pain when biting, swelling around the affected tooth, and sharp pain that comes and goes. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking help right away is critical before the condition worsens. Delaying treatment could lead to complications like infection, abscesses, and even tooth loss. 

 

Complications Associated with Ignoring a Toothache

Ignoring a toothache can have serious consequences, including the risk of infection. If the bacteria from the tooth spread to other parts of your body, you may develop a fever, swollen lymph nodes, and possibly sepsis. Additionally, tooth decay can occur, resulting in the loss of one or more teeth. It is important to address a toothache promptly to maintain good oral health. 

 

When to Seek Professional Help?

So, when exactly should you seek professional help from a dentist for a toothache? Ideally, as soon as symptoms start to manifest themselves, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. If you’re experiencing sharp and continuous pain or swelling, that’s an indication that you need to see your dentist as soon as possible. Similarly, if the discomfort persists for more than a day or two, that’s another sign that you need to seek professional help. 

 

Home Remedies for Tooth Pain Relief

Before seeing the dentist, you can attempt some at-home remedies to ease your discomfort.

A few options include using warm salt water to rinse your mouth, which can reduce inflammation and bacteria, applying a cold compress to your cheek, or taking ibuprofen.

Please remember that these remedies are not a replacement for professional dental treatment. 

 

How Can I Avoid Dental Pain? What Are Some Preventive Measures?

Oral health is vital for overall well-being, and practising good hygiene habits can prevent dental pain. Using fluoride toothpaste while brushing your teeth is one of the best measures to prevent dental problems. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, protecting it from decay and ultimately reducing the likelihood of dental pain. It is advisable to brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily to eliminate plaque that colonises and causes tooth decay. Focusing on the upper teeth is particularly important as this area is often neglected in brushing. 

Remember, good oral health habits are crucial for a pain-free smile. According to the Dental and Craniofacial Research Institute, establishing a routine of daily cleaning habits and scheduling regular dental check-ups can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing dental pain. 

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, toothache pain can be excruciating and impact your daily life. Understanding the different types of tooth pain and their causes can help you identify when to seek dental treatment. While there are some home remedies for tooth pain, It is paramount to consult your dentist promptly to deal with the underlying problem and avoid further harm. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices can reduce the risk of dental problems and promote healthy teeth and gums.

Are you experiencing excruciating tooth pain? Don’t suffer in silence – choose our emergency dentist in Adelaide for fast and effective relief. Our team of dental experts excel in treating all kinds of tooth emergencies. We promise to help you resume your normal routine with the necessary support and aid. 

Call us now at (08) 7078 8263.

 

 

References 

Toothache – NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toothache/

Toothaches: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Remedies
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache

Toothache and Swelling | healthdirect
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/toothache-and-swelling