Toothache: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Toothache is one of the most unpleasant issues a person can experience. It can have different causes and symptoms. Toothache can disrupt the normal rhythm of life, cause sleepless nights, and significantly reduce quality of life. In this article, we look at the main causes of toothache, its symptoms, diagnostic methods, and modern treatments.

Causes of toothache

Tooth pain can be caused by several factors, from tooth decay to inflammatory processes in the gums. The most common cause is tooth decay, also known as caries or cavities, which is damage to tooth enamel. If caries is not treated early, it can penetrate deeper into the tooth and reach the dentin and pulp. Cavities usually cause pain when the tooth is exposed to cold, hot, sweet, or sour foods.

Inflammation of the tooth's pulp is the second most common cause of tooth pain. It occurs when an infection penetrates deep into the tooth, causing inflammation and tooth nerve pain. The pain can be sharp and constant and worsens when you chew or press on the tooth.

Another cause of toothache is periodontitis, an inflammation of the tissue around the tooth root. Periodontitis can occur as a complication of pulp inflammation or caries or as a result of trauma to the tooth. The pain associated with periodontitis is usually throbbing, accompanied by swelling and increased gum sensitivity.

Symptoms of toothache

The symptoms of toothache can vary depending on the cause and severity of the toothache. The pain can be sharp or dull, constant or intermittent. A characteristic symptom is increased toothache when exposed to cold or heat or when chewing. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the ear, throat, or head.

In the case of a pulp infection, the pain is often pulsating and intensifies at night. There may also be symptoms of general malaise, such as fever and facial swelling. With periodontitis, in addition to toothache, there may be severe swelling of the gums, redness, and pain when the tooth is pressed.

Diagnostic methods

To accurately determine the cause of toothache, you should consult a dentist. The doctor will examine the mouth and, if necessary, recommend an X-ray or other diagnostic procedures. X-rays can reveal hidden carious lesions, abscesses, cysts, and other pathologies.

Modern treatment methods

The treatment of toothache depends on the cause and degree of damage to the tooth. In the case of tooth decay, the dentist removes the damaged tissue and fills the tooth. If the decay has reached the pulp, a root canal treatment may be necessary. This treatment involves removing the inflamed pulp, disinfecting the root canals, and filling them with a special material.

Periodontitis may require antibiotic treatment to clear the infection. In some cases, especially if there is a lot of decay or large abscesses, it may be necessary to extract the tooth.

To alleviate the symptoms of toothache before the dental visit, you can use painkillers, saline rinses, or herbal decoctions. However, these measures are temporary and don’t replace the full treatment provided by a specialist.

Effect of toothache on overall health

Toothache is not only a local problem but also a factor that can greatly affect a person's overall health. Chronic toothache can cause headaches, insomnia, and stress. Constant discomfort and the inability to eat normally can weaken the body and reduce its resistance to infections.

In addition, infectious processes in the mouth can become a source of serious complications. Bacteria that cause gingivitis or inflammation of the roots of the teeth can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. This can lead to dangerous conditions such as endocarditis (inflammation of the heart), pneumonia, and even sepsis.