TOOTHACHE
Symptom Definition
- Pain or discomfort in a tooth
General Information
- Main cause of toothache is tooth decay (cavities).
- Complications of tooth decay can also cause a toothache, for example: abscess (pus pocket) around base of tooth and skin infection of cheek area overlying a tooth.
- Caution: Rarely individuals may have a toothache or jaw pain as the sole symptom of a heart attack. Usually there will be other accompanying symptoms of a heart problem, such as: chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea and/or sweating.
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
- Toothache followed TOOTH INJURY
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR TOOTHACHE
Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If
- Very weak (can't stand)
Call Your Dentist or Doctor Now (night or day) If:
- You feel weak or very sick
- Fever is present
- Face is swollen
- Tongue is very swollen and tender
- Severe pain
Call Your Dentist Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:
- You think you need to be seen
- Toothache present longer than 24 hours
- Brown cavity visible in the painful tooth
- Red or yellow lump (pus pocket) present at the gum line of the painful tooth
Call Your Dentist During Weekday Office Hours If:
- You have other questions or concerns
- Easy bleeding present in other family members
- Hard-to-stop nosebleeds are a recurrent problem
Self Care at Home If
- Mild toothache present less than 24 hours and you don't think you need to be seen
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD TOOTHACHE
- Reassurance: Most toothaches are temporary and due to a sensitive tooth. If the pain becomes worse or doesn't resolve in 24 hours, it could due to a small cavity.
- Floss: Floss on either side of the painful tooth to remove any wedged food.
-
Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours
(e.g. Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g. Advil,
Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
- Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
- Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
- Local Cold: Apply an ice pack to the painful jaw for 20 minutes
- Expected Course: Most minor causes of toothache resolve in less than a day.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Toothache persists longer than 24 hours
- The toothache becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Dentist" symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
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