A severe toothache is your body's alarm system. It's signaling a problem that needs attention. The pain usually comes from the dental pulp, the inner part of your tooth, which is full of nerves and blood vessels. When it gets inflamed or infected, the pressure builds up inside the tooth, causing intense pain.
Common causes include deep cavities that have reached the pulp, a cracked tooth that lets bacteria in, advanced gum disease, or a dental abscess, which is a pocket of pus from an infection.
Fever, Swelling, or Trouble Breathing
These are signs the infection may be spreading. This is a medical emergency.
Pimple-like Bump on Your Gum
This could be a fistula, a sign of a dental abscess trying to drain.
Pain That Suddenly Stops
Don't be fooled. A sudden stop in throbbing pain could mean the nerve has died, but the infection is still present and spreading.
Pain When You Bite Down
This often points to a problem at the root of the tooth, like an abscess or a crack.
Constant, Throbbing Pain
Pain that keeps you awake at night needs to be evaluated by a dentist soon.
Follow these steps immediately. Time matters.
Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. This can help clean the area and reduce swelling.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is often effective because it reduces inflammation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also help with pain. Follow the package directions and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Wrap a bag of ice or a cold pack in a towel and apply it to your cheek outside the painful area for 20 minutes at a time. This can help numb the area and reduce swelling.
This is the most important step. A severe toothache will not go away on its own. Call a dental office, explain your symptoms, and schedule an emergency appointment.
Rinse with warm salt water.
Use a cold compress on your cheek.
Take anti-inflammatory pain medication like ibuprofen.
Keep your head elevated to reduce pressure.
Call your dentist as soon as possible.
Don't place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.
Don't use heat, as it can make inflammation worse.
Don't ignore the pain, even if it comes and goes.
Don't eat hard, chewy, or very hot/cold foods.
Don't wait to see if it gets better on its own.
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A severe toothache always requires a dental visit. Here are the signs that you need to be seen right away.
The pain is severe, throbbing, and hasn't improved with pain medication.
You have swelling in your face, cheek, or gums.
You have a fever or feel generally unwell.
You see a bump on your gum near the painful tooth.
You have a bad taste in your mouth that won't go away.