Toothaches: minor or severe
By DR Mark Dohald | Principle Dental Officer
5 minute read |
Published 23 September 2024
Toothaches can strike at any time and have a variety of causes. Minor toothaches can occur from a temporary gum irritation and are mild enough that you can treat it at home. More severe toothaches usually result from cavities, infections or other dental conditions that won't get resolved on its own.
Toothache and swelling occur when there’s a problem with your teeth or gums which causes pain and discomfort.
If you don’t treat it, toothache will get worse over time, which can affect your quality of life, health and wellbeing. Book in to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Toothache can be caused by;
- tooth decay
- a dental injury
- a cracked tooth
- loose or broken filling/s
- inflammation or infection of the pulp (nerve) inside your tooth
- receding gums a
- dental abscess
How is toothache and swelling diagnosed?
Your dentist will examine your teeth and may need to take an x-ray. They will ask you about your pain, if any injuries occurred and will ask about your dental history.
Treatment will depend on the cause of the toothache or swelling. It may include a filling, root canal therapy, a crown, or application of a desensitising agent.
If you have gum disease, your dentist will recommend regular brushing and flossing and will perform a professional clean to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) that has formed both above and below the gumline. You will need to maintain this cleaning regimen on an ongoing basis to prevent the gum disease from recurring.
Treating the cause of the tooth pain or swelling will help provide pain relief.
IF THE PULP (NERVE) IS INFECTED:
You will need to have it removed via a process called root canal therapy (also known as endodontics), and you may also need a course of antibiotics. This procedure will take place over several dentist visits. Once the nerve has been completely removed and the tooth is stable, options for strengthening the remaining tooth structure will need to be considered for example a crown may need to be fitted.
If you experience ongoing and persistent toothache, book in to see your dentist as soon as possible.
