Toothache and Hurting Teeth – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Toothache can be caused by a number of things, including tooth decay, gum disease, missing or broken teeth, gingivitis, sensitivity, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Toothache can be throbbing, tingling, or dull, and the location and severity of the pain can vary.

Causes of toothache

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Tooth decay:

Tooth decay is the result of a combination of three factors: bacteria, carbohydrates (mainly sugar), and tooth quality.
As tooth decay progresses, the enamel on the surface of the tooth dissolves, exposing the dentin, which causes pain when exposed to cold, heat, or other stimuli. (sensitivity)

If the tooth decay continues to progress and reaches the nerve, severe pain is felt.
If the nerve is dead, treatment becomes difficult and the tooth is usually extracted.

Gingivitis:
A condition in which the gums swell and bleed. If it progresses, it can lead to periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease:
Periodontal disease destroys gum tissue, causing teeth to become loose and painful.

Chipped or broken teeth:
Chipped or broken teeth can cause pain due to irritation in the area.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD):
Inflammation and pain in the temporomandibular joint can cause toothache.

Symptoms of toothache

Toothache can have a variety of symptoms, which you should tell your dentist when you visit him or her to ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment.

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Examples of pain:

・Throbbing pain
・Tingling pain
・Dull pain
・Stinging pain during food intake
・Pain while chewing
・Discomfort due to loose teeth
・Pain when opening the mouth
・Difficulty opening the mouth

Treatment of toothache

If you have a toothache, see your dentist as soon as possible. Identifying the cause of the toothache and getting the right treatment can help relieve the pain quickly and avoid further damage.

Tooth decay:
Depending on the severity of the decay, treatment may include fillings, caps, or extraction.

Sensitivity:
Medications to reduce sensitivity and tooth resurfacing may be used.

Chipped or broken teeth:
Treatment depends on the size of the chip and may include among others corrections with restorative materials such as composite resins, ceramic or metal, and treatment with fillings or crowns.

Gum inflammation:
Gingivitis is improved by removing plaque and tartar with a toothbrush and floss.

Periodontal disease:
Depending on the progression of periodontal disease, treatment may include tartar removal and periodontal tissue regeneration therapy.

to irritation in the area.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD):
The cause of the pain is determined and treated accordingly.

Toothache can interfere with daily life, making it difficult to enjoy eating and speaking. If left untreated, toothache can get worse and affect other teeth. Therefore, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible when you have a toothache.

The Toranomon Hills Dental Medical Ryu Clinic offers free consultations for a variety of dental problems.
You can be sure that we will always make suggestions that are appropriate for your situation and that we will always work with you to determine the best treatment plan.
Please do not give up and consult with us first.