When it comes to dental care, many people find themselves in the dentist's chair because of a toothache. Whether it's a dull ache, overall sensitivity, or a sharp jab around a tooth, any localized pain is considered as such. However, because the pain levels can vary wildly, it's important to know the cause so that it can be treated appropriately.

What Are the Causes of a Toothache?

Usually, a toothache is caused by some sort of tooth trauma, decay, or infection. There could have been a cavity forming or it's been cracked in such a way that an abscess has started to form inside the tooth. Gum disease is another possibility, or there is also the chance of it being a wisdom tooth coming in or becoming impacted inside the jaw. 

For children, toothaches are often linked to a tooth erupting from the gums as they age. As the teeth grow larger, they can also cause some pain as they shift around and affect the alignment of the surrounding teeth.

What Are Some Common Symptoms?

Other than the varying levels of pain, toothaches can also be accompanied by swollen gums, headaches, fevers, and chills. If you have a high pain threshold, you may not even notice a pain but rather a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, you'll need to see a dentist as soon as possible. 

How Is It Treated?

The recommended treatment for a toothache will depend on its cause. A dentist will perform a visual examination and likely an X-ray to narrow it down. Then, they may simply need to fill in a cavity or repair a cracked tooth. Depending on the shape and condition of the tooth, they might install a crown over it instead. However, if the infection is deep and has reached the pulp of the tooth, a root canal will be needed. Sometimes, oral antibiotics will be required as well. Impacted teeth generally need to be extracted. In many cases, dentists can offer localized pain medications to help. 

If you're experiencing a toothache, contact John M. Schulte, DMD. For over 40 years, this Covington, KY, dental office has served patients of all ages throughout Northern Kentucky. Offering full-service family dentistry, they're available for everything from routine dental cleanings to orthodontics. You can find a complete list of their dental services on their website, but if you need to book an appointment, call (859) 331-0763.