Toothache is a pretty common problem that is something we see quite frequently amongst our patients here in Leeds. It can be caused by a number of different things, but is generally due to the tooth becoming infected, decayed or injured in some way. While toothache is often caused by trauma or dental decay, it can also be a sign of gum disease or periodontal disease.

Sometimes pain can be felt after a tooth has been extracted and the socket has become infected in some way, and occasionally toothache may be caused by pain radiating from another area of the face. This might occur if the patient is suffering with disorders of the temporomandibular joint (the joint responsible for moving the lower jaw), or if they have ear pain.

The most common reason for toothache is due to the pulp in the centre of the tooth becoming infected and inflamed. The pulp contains many nerves that are very sensitive to pain and if it becomes inflamed then the pulp tissues begin to swell up, causing pressure within the tooth that increases the pain.

Symptoms of Toothache

Toothache can also cause pain in the jaw, and a number of additional symptoms. For instance it can be painful to bite down or apply pressure on an aching tooth, and it can be extremely uncomfortable if this tooth is exposed to hot or cold food and drink. This pain can sometimes continue even when the tooth is no longer receiving this stimulus. If the toothache is allowed to progress without being treated at our Leeds surgery, then the area of pain may begin to radiate out towards the cheek or the ear, or further along the jaw. Other signs that something is wrong can include noticing a discharge from the tooth, or that the gum nearest the tooth is bleeding, or that the gum around the tooth is beginning to swell up.

Know When It’s Time to Seek Treatment from Leeds City Dentalcare

You should definitely call us to make an appointment to see Dr David Brown or another of our dentists if your toothache isn’t relieved by over-the-counter drugs, or if you have dental pain that occurs after the tooth has been extracted. Sometimes tooth extraction can result in a condition called dry socket developing. In this case the pain will begin to intensify a couple of days following the extraction, at a time when it should be subsiding.

It’s also definitely time to give us a call if you notice there is a discharge from the gums around your tooth, or if you notice your face is swelling up or if you are developing a fever. These symptoms are a sign of infection, as straightforward tooth decay doesn’t cause fever. Seeking treatment early on will greatly increase the chances of saving the tooth, and will hopefully help lessen the pain more quickly.

If you recently suffered trauma to a tooth and have subsequently developed toothache then contact us to make an appointment. If your tooth has become broken or damaged in any way it could allow bacteria to enter the tooth, increasing the risk of infection. It’s also possible that any trauma could have damaged your temporomandibular joint and it may have become inflamed.

Toothache can also be caused by your wisdom teeth. A lot of people have problems when their wisdom teeth try to erupt due to a lack of space in their jawbone. Sometimes the wisdom teeth can partially erupt, and this can cause inflammation around the gum which may in turn become infected.

Most cases of toothache can be avoided simply through practicing good oral hygiene. It also helps immensely if you visit our dentist in Leeds for regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.