Toothache is hard to ignore. Whether it is mild or severe, tooth pain can affect the quality of your life. This oral issue is usually an indication that something is not right with your teeth and gums. If left untreated, a toothache can lead to severe dental issues that can affect your overall health. Therefore, knowing the early signs of a toothache is vital to prevent severe complications. Three signs of a toothache that you shouldn't ignore.
Sharp or Throbbing Pain
Sharp or throbbing pain in one or more teeth is one sign that you have toothaches. The pain usually occurs in response to eating, chewing, and closing or opening the mouth. When the pain becomes constant, it may indicate a dental abscess. A dental abscess is a collection of pus surrounding the teeth or gums. In some cases, the swollen pus pocket may burst, resulting in a bad taste in the mouth. If left untreated, the abscess may become infected, causing unbearable tooth pain that may spread to the jaws, ears, and neck.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity results from exposed roots or worn tooth enamel. This may happen due to tooth decay, gum recession, or aggressive brushing. Teeth sensitivity presents itself as a sharp pain as a response to certain stimuli such as air exposure, sugary items, and cold or hot temperatures.
Jaw Pain
Jaw pain is another sign of a toothache. It can be mild or severe, which can affect your eating, speaking, and sleeping abilities. In most cases, jaw pain indicates an impacted wisdom tooth. When a wisdom tooth partially erupts or fails to erupt, an infection can occur around your gums, which causes pain at the back of the jaw. Jaw misalignment is another cause of pain. While it can result from heredity factors, injury can also cause misalignment.
As with most dental issues, seeking professional help as soon as you notice the signs of a can help to prevent complications and costly repairs. Contact us, and our dentists will help to treat toothache symptoms while focusing on the underlying causes.
Location
1739 NE 122nd Ave Portland, OR 97230-1914
Hours
Mondays & Tuesdays: 7 AM - 3 PM Wednesdays & Thursdays: 8 AM - 5 PM Fridays: Closed