Toothaches are a painful condition that can range in severity from minor irritation to severe pain in the entire side of your face. While toothaches can stem from dental problems like cavities, they can also occur following a jaw injury or issues stemming from the gums. It is important to identify the reason for your toothache to properly treat it.
Jaw Injury
A broken or dislocated jaw can be a source of toothache if the teeth are loosened as a result of the injury. A broken or dislocated jaw must receive immediate emergency assistance as the pain and complications can be severe. If your jaw is dislocated, a doctor will need to set it back in place correctly and stabilize it. You will also be instructed not to open your jaw wide for six weeks.
A broken jaw will likely require surgery, unless the fracture is minor. If surgery is required, the jaw will be wired shut for about two months. In both situations, you should take painkillers and eat only soft foods to reduce pain in the jaw and the affected teeth.
Swollen Gums
Toothache is also a common result of swollen gums. While swollen gums can come from a problem with a tooth itself, they can also occur from nutrition deficiencies, pregnancy, infections or diseases like scurvy. When you are experiencing pain from swollen gums, do not drink alcohol, smoke or use mouthwash; these can irritate the gums and cause more tooth pain. Using a cold pack against your cheek can also help the pain. It is important to find out what the underlying cause is for swollen gums, so make sure you visit your doctor or dentist.
Dental Problems
Sometimes a toothache caused by dental problems, such as cavities, is accompanied by swollen gums and a painful jaw. If you have a cavity, which is a hole in the outer two layers of the tooth, in most cases your dentist will need to fill it. Once the cavity is repaired, your toothache and accompanying symptoms will likely go away.
Erosion of the gum from a bacterial infection is another cause of toothache, swollen gums and a painful jaw. Your dentist will instruct properly care for your teeth, which will include a better brushing and flossing routine. You will also receive a cleaning that will remove excess plaque and tartar from your teeth. If the build-up is severe, you may need procedures such as root planing and subgingival curettage, where plaque is removed from roots and the surface of the infected gum is removed. Your doctor will then put you on antibiotics to kill off the rest of the infection.
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