Toothaches & Tooth Pain FAQs

A toothache comes from pain in or around a tooth caused by one or more dental difficulties you may be experiencing.

Toothaches and tooth pain can come from several causes, including:

• Tooth decay from the wearing away from enamel.
• A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection in or around a tooth.
• A broken or fractured tooth, perhaps due to biting on something too hard.
• A damaged filling that has loosened or broken off.
• Repetitive motion like chewing gum.
• Grinding or clenching teeth.
• A gum infection or gum disease.
• Removal of a tooth, such as wisdom teeth.
• Teeth growing out of the gums.

If you experience a toothache or tooth pain, consider contacting your dentist to find out what you can do to help alleviate the pain ahead of making an appointment.

You may experience one or more signs that you have a toothache or tooth pain that a dentist can help you with.

• Sharp, throbbing, or constant tooth pain. You might experience this pain only when you bite down on something or if you eat or drink overly hot or cold foods.
• Swelling in the gums around the tooth.
• Fever or headache caused by problems in your mouth.
• Foul taste in your mouth from an infected tooth.
• Bad odor coming from your mouth 
• Breathing or swallowing problems

If you experience serious symptoms, such as constant pain that doesn’t go away, fever, or breathing or swallowing problems, we strongly suggest calling a dentist immediately.

See a dentist immediately if you have:

• A constant toothache that lasts longer than one or two days.
• The pain is severe.
• You have a fever, ear ache, or experience pain when you open your mouth wide.

Make an appointment with Parkcrest Dental or call us at (417) 887-1220 if your toothache or tooth pain is serious.

The causes of toothaches, such as tooth decay or a cracked tooth, can lead to infections in your mouth. These infections can spread to other parts of your face or head, and even enter your bloodstream, causing further difficulties and medical problems.

The most effective way to treat a toothache or tooth pain at home is at night. We recommend taking the following steps to manage your pain until you can see a dentist.

1. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the label, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, and naproxen. Ibuprofen and naproxen are particularly effective because they are anti-inflammatory.
2. Utilize numbing pastes or gels, which usually contain benzocaine, a substance that numbs your tooth or gum pain when you apply it directly. Always follow the instructions on the label.
3. Keep your head elevated by propping it up with pillows and sleep on your back if you can. Blood rushing to your head can cause the pain to increase and intensify.
4. Rinse your teeth with mouthwash because mouthwash contains alcohol or menthol that can numb your mouth and disinfect your mouth to help prevent the spread of infection.
5. Use a saltwater rinse with 1 cup of warm water and ½ teaspoon of salt. Swish the salt water rinse in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out before going to bed.
6. Gently floss around the tooth with dental floss to remove any bits of food that might exacerbate inflammation and pain. 
7. Place an ice pack with a cloth against the painful side of your face before bed to help dull the pain and reduce inflammation.

Talk to your dentist before using an at-home treatment regimen. Our staff can talk to you over the phone to offer suggestions.

The typical cause of this occurs when the nerve endings in your tooth have died. 

However, it’s still important to take care of the underlying cause of the toothache because there may still be an infection that can spread to the rest of your face, head or body. 

You should still see a dentist about a persistent toothache as soon as possible before it leads to worse problems.

The dentists and dental care staff at Parkcrest Dental Group can help you and your family with any dental care needs you or your family may have. Contact us or call (417) 887-1220, and we’ll take care of you.