The vast majority of Americans do not like to go to the dentist. In fact, about 38 percent of respondents to a March 2024 Forbes Advisor/Talker Research survey revealed that they are at least somewhat scared of the dentist.1
When a tooth starts to ache, causing pain in and around a tooth, it’s natural to take some over-the-counter pain relief and hope the pain disappears, never to be felt again. Tooth pain can have a number of causes and some pain may, in fact, resolve itself.
It’s important to know when to see your dentist for tooth pain.
Tooth aches can be caused by a number of factors. These include cavities, an abscessed tooth, a cracked tooth, a damaged dental restoration (like a filling or crown), teeth grinding or clenching and gum disease.2
Items like popcorn shells or tortilla chips particles stuck between your teeth or in the gum of a tooth can cause tooth pain. Once the popcorn shell or other particle is removed by brushing, flossing or rinsing, the tooth pain will often subside.
This temporary, episodic pain is not a cause for concern. This type of pain should resolve itself in a day or two at the most.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released dental statistics that reveal that one-quarter of adults in the U.S. have at least one untreated cavity.3 Tooth pain can be caused by a cavity and may come and go somewhat, but it won’t go away completely.4 The same is true for tooth pain caused by an abscess.
If your tooth pain comes and goes, it’s time to see your dentist for an evaluation of the situation.
The dentist will visually examine your teeth and may take x-rays to determine if a problem exists. Treatment may include a dental filling, or a dental crown if the cavity is too large to fill.
If the cavity or crack is too big for a filling but not large enough for a crown an inlay or onlay — a ceramic restoration that fits into your tooth — may be done. If the dentist determines that your dental pain is caused by bacteria which have reached your tooth pulp, a root canal will be needed.
The dentist may prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, while you are waiting for root canal treatment. These may make your pain go away and you may have a tendency to think about skipping the root canal treatment. This isn’t advised. If the underlying issue isn’t treated, the infection, and the pain, will return.5
The bottom line is that a persistent tooth ache, while not cause for alarm, shouldn’t be ignored. It’s important to note that if you have fever or chills with a tooth ache it is considered a dental emergency and you should contact your dentist right away. If you aren’t able to contact your dentist, go to the emergency room or urgent care. These symptom can mean that an infection in your mouth may have spread to other areas of your body.6
Trusted Dental Care
Seeing your dentist regularly is highly recommended and can keep dental problems in check. It also makes a difference in your overall health and quality of life. Sedki Dentistry in Commerce Twp provides trusted dental care for the entire family and strives to keep mouths healthy and bright by addressing issues right away.
Our Lakes area dental clinic provides general dentistry, the latest in cosmetic dentistry and dental treatments, as well as gum rejuvenation for those with gum recession. If you have questions or are having a dental concern, call to schedule a Free Dental Consultation. Don’t wait, we can address what your mouth needs!
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1, 3 Dental Facts and Statistics in 2024 by Macy Alcido, 6/3/2024
Link: https://www.forbes.com/health/dental/dental-facts-statistics/
2, 4, 5, 6 Toothache
Link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache