How long toothache last

This may make an extraction necessary, along with additional treatment to replace the missing tooth such as a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. Even worse, it can spread to other areas of the body such as the brain and become dangerous or even fatal. Simply put, any type of tooth pain is an indication that something is wrong. To determine if the problem is minor or serious, you must see an emergency dentist for an evaluation, diagnosis, and possible treatment.

Along with throbbing pain, other symptoms of a toothache can include:. Both adults and children can get a toothache. See a dentist immediately if you have any signs or symptoms. Tooth decay or a cavity is the most common reason for tooth pain.

Bacteria are part of normal mouth and body health. However, too much sugar and other foods on your teeth can cause too many bad bacteria. Bacteria make a plaque that sticks to your teeth. Some kinds of bacteria give off acid that can lead to holes or cavities. Tooth decay might look like small white, brown, or black spots on your teeth. Your dentist can repair a hole or fix a weakened area in the tooth to help stop the throbbing pain. You may need:. An abscessed tooth is when part or all of the pulp inside the tooth dies.

Tooth infection or inflammation can cause an abscess. A damaged tooth can lead to a tooth abscess if it is not treated quickly. This happens when a hole or crack lets in bacteria into the tooth. A tooth fracture is a crack or split in the tooth. This can happen by biting on something hard like ice. You may also get a tooth fracture in a fall or if you get hit in the jaw or face with something hard.

In some cases, a tooth fracture can develop slowly over time. A tooth fracture can lead to throbbing pain. The fracture allows things to get into the tooth and irritate or infect the pulp and nerves, triggering pain.

Your dentist can repair a fractured tooth with dental glue, a veneer , or a filling. You may need a cap or crown on the tooth, or your dentist may recommend a root canal. You can damage a filling with normal biting and chewing, by biting something hard, or by grinding or clenching your teeth. A filling may:. Your dentist can repair or replace a damaged filling.

You may need a crown on the tooth if it has become too damaged for a new filling. A gum infection is also called gingivitis. Infected gums can lead to gum disease or periodontitis. Gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. Bacteria from infected gums can build up around the tooth roots.

This can cause an infection in the gum tissue that results in a toothache. Gum disease may shrink gums away from the tooth. It may also break down the bone that holds teeth in place. This can loosen teeth and cause cavities. A gum infection is normally treated with antibiotics. You may need regular cleanings by your dentist to remove plaque.

A medicated mouth wash can help soothe gum and tooth pain. If you have gum disease , you may need several treatments to help save your teeth. In severe cases, dental surgery may be needed. Information: To see a dentist in an emergency or out of hours: call your dentist — if they're closed, their answerphone may tell you what to do If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment: call — they can advise you what to do find a dentist near you — ask if you can have an emergency appointment You may have to pay for your appointment.

Do take painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol children under 16 should not take aspirin — a pharmacist can advise you try rinsing your mouth with salt water children should not try this use a pain-relieving gel for your mouth — this can be bought from pharmacies or supermarkets eat soft foods, like yoghurt or scrambled eggs, and try to avoid chewing with the sore tooth.

Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water — warm water helps salt dissolve. Rinse your mouth with the solution, then spit it out — do not swallow it.