Common Types of Toothaches and Treatment Options

There is nothing fun about a toothache, especially when it occurs when you least expect it. For instance, a late-night toothache will prevent you from getting enough sleep and rejuvenating your body. However, contrary to popular belief, toothaches vary, and the understanding is critical to adequate dental care and treatment. This article highlights the most common types of toothaches.

Tooth Sensitivity Pain — The first and perhaps the most common type of toothache is sensitivity. Pain from tooth sensitivity is characteristically sharp and often lingers on for a couple of minutes in acute conditions. The two most common causes of tooth sensitivity pain are worn-out enamel and receding gums. Since the conditions expose sensitive parts of the tooth, you are bound to feel pain when you take cold or hot beverages and food. Pain from tooth sensitivity is easy to notice because you feel it immediately food or beverage touches the affected tooth/teeth. A dentist might recommend toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth for mild cases. However, if the pain lasts for several hours, a dentist will conduct further examinations to determine whether you have a decayed or cracked tooth exposing the root.

Pinpoint Tooth Pain — A pinpoint tooth pain affects a particular tooth and is often experienced when a patient exerts some pressure. Typically, a pinpoint toothache is a sharp sensation you feel when biting down on food while chewing. Dentists use the test to establish pinpoint tooth pain. Cavities are the most common causes of pinpoint toothaches, but fractures are also culprits. Dentists treat pinpoint tooth pain by filling the cavities and protecting the sensitive inner parts of the affected tooth. Dental crowns are also effective, but only for a fractured tooth.

Throbbing Tooth Pain — Most patients do not know how to deal with throbbing tooth pain because it worsens by the minute. Normally, a throbbing tooth pain has a repetitive pulsing sensation that spreads throughout the jaw and the entire side of the face. Patients who have experienced throbbing tooth pain admit that it deprived them of sleep or the ability to concentrate. The two most common causes of throbbing tooth pain include an erupting wisdom tooth and an abscess from an infected tooth. Although over-the-counter painkillers can relieve the pain, you must seek emergency care for throbbing tooth pain. Notably, throbbing tooth pain might turn into a debilitating condition, leaving you feeling dizzy and unproductive.

For more information on a toothache, contact a professional near you.