Toothache 101: Symptoms and Causes

What Is a Toothache and What Are the Symptoms and Common Causes?

A toothache is a throbbing pain that is usually due to tooth decay or tooth infection, such as tooth abscesses and tooth root inflammation. If you suspect your child has a toothache, be sure to schedule an appointment with their pediatric dentist immediately!

The Most Common Symptoms of a Toothache Are:

• a throbbing pain
• bad breath
• sensitivity to hot and cold
• pain when chewing
• pain when swallowing
• pain when breathing through the nose
• red and swollen gums / gum inflammation

Common Causes of Toothaches

• tooth decay
• tooth infection
• tooth abscesses
• tooth root inflammation
• temporomandibular joint dysfunction
• tooth grinding

How to Treat Toothaches

If you suspect your child has a toothache, be sure to schedule an appointment with their dentist immediately! In the meantime, there are a few things you can do at home to help relieve the pain:

• Apply a cold compress to the area of toothache
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief
• Rinse the mouth with warm water
• Gently brush the teeth and gums with a toothbrush

Prevention Tips for Toothaches

There are a few things you can do to help prevent toothaches in your children:

• Make sure they brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss their teeth once a day.
• Take them for regular dental checkups.
• If they are prone to tooth decay, have them drink fluoridated water and eat fluoride-rich foods.

Let's Review What We've Learned About Toothaches

A toothache is a throbbing pain that is usually due to tooth decay or tooth infection. If you suspect your child has a toothache, be sure to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist immediately! We reviewed a few things you can do at home to help relieve the pain. We also discussed some common symptoms and causes of toothaches and a few things you can do at home to prevent them such as brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, taking children for regular dental checkups.

Now you know more about toothaches!  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask your favorite dentist at BCC Pediatric Dentistry. Thanks for reading!

Do you have a child ready for their first dental visit?  Looking for a new pediatric dentist in Bethesda MD for your Children? Request an appointment with BCC Pediatric Dentistry.