Symptoms to look out for

The majority of the UK population are familiar with one type of toothache or another, whether it’s caused by tooth decay or it’s just a case of over-sensitivity, it’s quite a common affliction. Poor lifestyle choices, accidental damage, or just bad luck, are all causes of painful toothache, and their effects can vary from mild discomfort to severe inflammation. By examining the typical signs and symptoms associated with toothache, we can learn why it causes so much pain, and perhaps avoid a repeat occurrence in the future.

What are some common symptoms that point to tooth problems?

Localised throbbing and discomfort is about as specific as toothache gets, unfortunately our bodies can only make us aware of the problem, without actually giving us a diagnosis – that’s what dentists and physicians are for. Dental surgeons are trained to spot the early signs of dangerous infections, possible decay, structural damage that poses a risk to the health of the teeth, and any other painful areas that are causing you problems. If you notice any of the following symptoms on a regular basis, or you are struck down with chronic toothache overnight, you should seek treatment right away, don’t wait until it begins to impinge on other aspects of your life. If you are having trouble with toothache out of office hours, you can always make an appointment with the Pearl Dental Clinic’s emergency surgery, or just walk in and wait to be referred to a dental professional. Emergency clinics are open twenty-four hours a day, all year round.

Symptoms to watch out for:

Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures – A short shooting pain when eating ice cream or drinking hot tea is quite normal, it’s when the discomfort continues afterwards and begins to occur regularly that you should start to worry. Pain associated with sensitivity shouldn’t last more than ten to fifteen seconds at the most, any more than that and it could point to problems with root exposure – perhaps from receding gums or some kind of structural damage. The delicate inner pulp has to be protected from outside elements so that it doesn’t become infected, on-going discomfort after eating or drinking should be examined by a dentist.

Pain when chewing – This is not the type of pain you can easily ignore, as it tends to flare up as soon as you take a bite of anything and continues as you try to chew. This issue can be severely limiting and almost instantly starts to affect your day to day routine; some patients have even admitted avoiding eating at all, to try and stop the toothache. Pain that occurs when biting or chewing can also have further reaching consequences, concerning the position of your teeth and the way your jaw operates; if you subconsciously adjust your chewing pattern so that there is no pressure on the affected tooth, this starts to adversely affect the other teeth, by making them work harder. The uneven distribution of pressure will eventually change your bite completely, and could lead to orthodontic problems if you ignore it.

Swelling – Inflammation and swelling around the area in question can be extremely painful, it makes it difficult to eat, sleep, and even breathe if the problem becomes large enough. This kind of symptom is generally the result of infection, and the throbbing pain is likely to spread to other parts of the body – usually the ears and head, if you don’t do something about it. Anti-inflammatories can help with the pain, but if the underlying causes are not dealt with, you’re likely to see the problem flare up again and again.

Bleeding gums – This symptom isn’t always accompanied by toothache, but even on its own, it can have major dental health implications. Painless bleeding from the gums is one of the first signs of gum disease – typically ignored because it doesn’t cause any actual discomfort and only first becomes apparent after brushing. Ignoring gum disease puts all your teeth at risk – even if you don’t notice toothache to begin with, you will after a while, without treatment.

Injuries – Toothache that follows a traumatic accident is often one of many painful symptoms, such as a head injury, concussion, or serious lacerations and heavy bleeding. Bruising around teeth can be painful, but it’s not a serious condition, and the tissue should start to recover after a few days, along with your other injuries. However, most dentists would prefer to carry out an x-ray when you are well enough, to pinpoint any less obvious damage, such as fractures or root injuries. Painful toothache following a blow to the face is to be expected, unfortunately, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to lose one or more teeth; it could just be a symptom of your overall condition.

Any other signs I should take note of?

It’s wise to be aware of your general wellbeing when suffering from toothache, as what can seem like a harmless reaction to a cold drink could rapidly deteriorate into a life-threatening condition. Having said that, don’t immediately panic and go to the nearest hospital, try to keep a level head and examine your symptoms as a whole, then you can act in your best interests, without going overboard.

High fever – This might not sound like a big problem, but if you notice nausea and dizziness along with it, you should seek medical attention straight away. These things are associated with blood poisoning and, without treatment, your health could really be at risk.

Referred pains – If you have a serious bout of toothache, you might start to experience pains in other parts of your body, spreading from your jaw to your head, neck, chest, and shoulders. This is often quite frightening for patients to experience, and is more complicated with those who have a history of diabetes or heart disease.

Difficulty swallowing – It’s possible that this is a symptom of infection; speak to a medical professional right away, particularly if you have had problems with your immune system in the past.