It starts small. A little twinge when you bite down on something cold. Maybe it goes away after a few seconds. You figure it’s nothing. You move on with your day. Then a week later, it happens again. Only this time, it lingers a bit longer.
Toothaches rarely get better on their own. In fact, they almost always get worse. And by the time the pain is bad enough that you can’t ignore it, the problem has usually been brewing for a while. Let’s talk about why that happens and what you should do about it.
What’s Actually Causing That Pain?
A toothache isn’t random. It’s your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. Here are the most common culprits we see in our Durham dental office:
- A cavity that’s gotten deep: Small cavities usually don’t hurt. That’s why you can have one for months and not know it. But once decay reaches the inner part of the tooth where the nerves live, you’ll feel it. That ache signals the cavity has moved past the “easy fix” stage.
- An infection: If bacteria get into the center of your tooth, it can turn into an abscess. That’s a pocket of pus that causes throbbing pain, swelling, and sometimes a bad taste in your mouth. This is the kind of toothache that needs attention right away.
- A chipped tooth: You might not even remember biting down on something hard. But a fracture can let bacteria in and expose the nerve underneath. Sometimes it only hurts when you chew. Other times it’s constant.
- Gum problems: Receding gums can expose the sensitive part of your tooth root. That can cause pain that feels like it’s coming from the tooth itself.
- Sinus pressure: This one surprises people. Your sinuses sit right above your upper back teeth. When they’re congested, the pressure can make those teeth ache. That’s why a “toothache” sometimes clears up when your cold does.
Why Waiting Makes It Worse
We get it. Nobody wants to hear they need dental work. Maybe you’re hoping it’ll just go away. Maybe you’re worried about the cost. Or maybe you’re just busy. But dental problems don’t hit pause. They keep moving.
A small cavity that could’ve been fixed with a simple filling can turn into one that needs a root canal and a crown. An infection that could’ve been treated with antibiotics can spread to other parts of your body. In rare cases, an untreated dental infection can become life-threatening.
And the longer you wait, the more it hurts. Literally.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you have a toothache, don’t panic. But don’t put it off either. Call us. That’s the first step. We’ll get you in and take a look. You don’t have to guess what’s going on; we’ll tell you.
In the meantime, here’s what can help:
- Rinse with warm salt water to reduce swelling
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (follow the label)
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek if there’s swelling
- Avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks
- Don’t put aspirin directly on your gum; it can burn the tissue
Skip the home remedies you’ve seen online. Clove oil, garlic, and other folk fixes might numb the pain for a bit, but they won’t fix the problem. The infection or decay is still there, quietly getting worse.
You Don’t Have to Tough It Out
Some people think putting up with pain makes them tough. But ignoring a toothache isn’t strength. And delay costs more, both in money and in comfort.
Dr. Chavala Harris and our team at Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry are here to help. We’ll identify what’s causing the pain, explain your options clearly, and help you feel like yourself again.
If you’ve been putting off a toothache, don’t wait another day. Call us at 919-899-4467 or request an appointment online. We’ll take care of you.