Tooth pain can be caused by any number of things. The pain you feel in or around your tooth can come from tooth decay, an abscessed tooth, a fractured tooth, damaged fillings, grinding of your teeth, or infected gums.
Most toothaches feel sharp, throbbing, and constant. Sometimes the pain can only be felt when pressure is applied to your tooth. The area around your tooth is probably swollen, you might have a foul taste in your mouth, and you may even feel feverish.
If these symptoms last over 1-2 days, you should make an emergency appointment with your dentist. If the pain has spread to your ear, or it hurts when you open your mouth wide, then you need to get to the dentist asap. It is important to catch any potential infections before they spread into your face or skull, or even into your bloodstream. A lot of people dislike or hate the dentist, but if you are suffering from a toothache, you should definitely make an appointment.
Once you visit your dentist, they will ask you questions about the pain, such as, when did it start, how severe is it, does anything make it worse or better, and where exactly the pain is. They will decide what treatment you need after assessing all of this information.
If you want to prevent any future tooth pain, you should follow a good oral hygiene routine. The best things you can do for the health of your mouth are flossing regularly, brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash. Try to eat as little sugar as you can, and have regular check-ups with your dentist. Your dentist should also clean your teeth professionally twice a year.
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