Toothache

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Dentalgia)

Toothache[edit | edit source]

Toothache refers to pain in or around a tooth, often caused by issues affecting the tooth or the surrounding structures. It can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain and may be accompanied by swelling, sensitivity to temperature, and pain on chewing. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for managing toothache effectively.

An individual experiencing toothache.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Several conditions can lead to a toothache, including: - Dental cavities: Holes in the teeth caused by decay. - Pulpitis: Inflammation of the dental pulp, often due to infection. - Periodontal disease: Infections of the structures around the teeth, including the gums. - Cracked tooth syndrome: Fractures in a tooth that cause pain upon biting. - Impacted teeth: Teeth that have failed to emerge through the gums or have only partially emerged.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of a toothache may include: - Sharp, throbbing, or constant pain - Swelling around the tooth - Fever or headache - Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth - Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of a toothache typically involves a thorough examination by a dentist, which may include: - Review of the patient's medical history - Visual examination of the teeth and gums - Dental X-rays to identify underlying causes - Testing for sensitivity and pain in specific areas

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for a toothache depends on the cause: - For cavities, treatment may involve fillings, crowns, or root canals. - For gum disease, scaling and root planing to clean the pockets around teeth and antibiotics may be necessary. - For impacted teeth, extraction or surgery to remove or expose the tooth may be required.

Home Remedies and Pain Management[edit | edit source]

While awaiting dental treatment, certain home remedies can help manage pain: - Over-the-counter pain relievers - Saltwater rinses - Cold compresses to reduce swelling - Avoiding extremely hot or cold foods

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Preventive measures can reduce the risk of toothaches: - Regular dental check-ups and cleanings - Good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily - Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to strengthen tooth enamel - Limiting sugary foods and drinks

External Links[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Toothache Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen