Toothaches

• Pain in or around a tooth that throbs or occurs with a fever and/or general ill feeling. Tooth pain occurs after you eat or drink or have something hot, cold, or sweet.

• Gums are red, swollen, and/or bleed.

• Earache and/or swollen glands on one side of the face or neck.

Gum (Periodontal) Disease

Cold Sores

Causes

Canker Sores

Cancer of the Mouth

TMJ Syndrome

SEE ALL ARTICLES ON DENTAL & MOUTH CONDITIONS

• A food particle, such as a popcorn hull, gets stuck between the gum and a tooth.

• Tooth grinding (bruxism). This can wear down teeth and cause cracks in them.

• A cavity or infection is beneath or around the gum of a tooth.

• Tooth abscess. This is swelling and/or infection in the bone and/or the tooth’s canals.

• Gum (periodontal) disease.

• Impacted teeth. Teeth may not fully erupt or can grow at odd angles.

• Temporary pain from recent dental work.

• TMJ.

• An injury to a tooth.

• A symptom of a sinus infection.

• A symptom of angina and a heart attack.

Treatment

Emergency care is needed for a heart attack. A dentist or doctor can diagnose and prescribe proper treatment for other problems.

Questions to Ask

Question 1

With tooth pain, do you have any of these problems?

• Gnawing pain in the lower teeth or neck.

• Chest discomfort beneath the breast bone.

• Pain that travels to or is felt in the arm or neck.

Get medical care without delay. If symptoms are life threatening go to the ER or call 9-1-1. Don’t call 9-1-1 or use the ER if symptoms do not threaten life. Ask your doctor ahead of time where you should go for a problem that needs prompt care, but not emergency care.

Question 2

Do you have any signs or symptoms of toothaches?

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Use Self-Care / Prevention:

You can probably take care of the problem yourself if you answered NO to all the questions. Use the “Self-Care” measures that are listed. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better soon, though. You may have some other problem.

Self-Care / Prevention

To Treat Tooth Pain Until You See the Dentist

• Gargle with warm salt water every hour. Hold an ice pack on the jaw. Don’t drink hot or cold liquids. Avoid sweets, soft drinks, and hot or spicy foods. It may be best not to eat at all until you see your dentist.

• Gently floss around the tooth to remove food particles that could be between the teeth.

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Don’t place a crushed aspirin on the tooth, though. Aspirin burns the gums and destroys tooth enamel.

• For a cavity, pack it with a piece of sterile cotton soaked in oil of cloves. You can get this at a drug store.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

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