| Symptom |
Possible Problem |
What To Do |
| Momentary sensitivity to hot or cold foods |
If the discomfort lasts only
moments, sensitivity to hot & cold foods generally does not signal a problem. The sensitivity may be caused by a loose filling or by minimal gum recession which exposes small areas of the root surface |
Try using toothpastes made for sensitive teeth. Brush up & down with a soft brush; Brushing sideways wears away exposed root surfaces. If this is unsuccessful, see your dentist. |
| Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment |
Dental tratment may inflame the pulp, or nerves, inside the
tooth, causing temporary sensitivity. |
Wait four to six weeks. If the pain persists or worsens, see your dentist. |
| Sharp pain when biting down on food |
There are several possible causes of this type of pain: decay, loose filling, or a crack in the tooth. There may be damage to the pulp tissue< inside the tooth |
See a dentist for evaluation. If the problem is pulp tissue Damage your dentist will perform a procedure that cleans out the damaged pulp & fills & seals the remaining space. This procedure is commonly called a root canal. |
| Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods |
This probably means the pulp has been damaged by deep decay or physical trauma |
See your dentist to save the tooth with root canal treatment |
| Constant & severe pain & pressure, swelling of gum, & sensitivity to touch |
A tooth may have become abscessed, causing the surrounding bone to become infected. |
See your dentist for evaluation & treatment to relieve the pain & save the tooth. |
| Dull ache & pressure in upper teeth & jaw |
The pain of a sinus headache is often felt in the face & teeth. Grinding of teeth, a condition known as bruxism, can also cause this type of ache. |
For sinus headache consult your physician. For bruxism, consult your dentist. |
| Chronic pain in head, neck,or ear |
Sometimes pulp-damaged teeth cause pain in other parts of the head & neck, but other dental or medical problems may be responsible |
See your dentist for evaluation. If the problem is not related to the tooth, your dentist will refer you to an appropriate dental specialist or a physician. |
| Bad smell from mouth |
Must likely there are accumulation of plaque & tartar on teeth |
Cleaning of teeth by a dentist is required. This procedure is known as scaling |
| Dull pain in teeth during chewing with or without bad smell from mouth |
There may be infection in gums due to accumulation of plaque & tartar |
Your dentist will clean your teeth. This procedure is known as scaling |
| Bleeding gums, sour sensation in teeth. Bleeding while brushing (Pink toothbrush) with or without bad smell from mouth |
Most likely this symptoms suggest heavy deposits tartar on teeth |
Cleaning of teeth (Scaling) is required. Some cases may require gum surgery also |
| Pain or swelling at the end of jaw over the wisdom tooth |
The wisdom tooth may be erupting & sometimes this may cause problems |
Your dentist will evaluate & judge the amount of space available in the jaw to accommodate the wisdom tooth & than take a decision on the treatment modality. |
| Pain in the jaw joint or click in the jaw joint on mouth opening |
There may be a problem with the joint of the jaw |
Consult your dental surgeon for evaluation |
