TOOTH PAIN GUIDE

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

Note: –

  • Only general principals are mentioned in the article. There are individual exceptions.
  • Your dental surgeons Advise is the best advice you can get.
  • The intention of this article is only to educate & inform the patient about common dental problems