Information on Dental Pain

What you need to know

A visit to the dentist probably isn’t high up on your list of ‘most fun things to do’. You might even be one of the many people who have a phobia of dentists. But when you’ve dental pain, either in the form of a toothache, abscess, gum or jaw ache, seeing your dentist is essential. Here’s some information on the most common form of dental pain, toothache:

What is toothache?

The most common cause of toothache, or pain in the jaw and face, is pulpitis – which means inflammation of the pulp of the tooth.

What causes toothache?

There are many different things that trigger toothaches or symptoms similar to toothache.
Some common causes of toothache include:

Decay
A fracture of the tooth
A cracked tooth
An exposed tooth root, caused by over-vigorous brushing
An abscess in the gum
Ulceration of the gums
Inflammation of the sinuses – this can cause symptoms easily mistaken for toothache

How can I avoid toothache?

The best way to avoid toothache is to keep your teeth and gums healthy. That means cutting down on the sugary foods and drinks that can cause cavities. It’s also wise to:

Brush your teeth twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste
Use a plaque reducing mouth wash
Clean between your teeth using dental floss
Visit your dentist every six months

When should you see a dentist?

Although a pain-reliever like Nurofen will help you manage the pain of toothache or an abscess, it should only be used temporarily. You should see your dentist as soon as possible.

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health matters please contact your doctor.

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