Do your teeth hurt? Many people ignore tooth pain and hope that it will go away, but a toothache causes more than just discomfort. In many cases, a toothache is a cause for concern because it could signify a dental problem. These tips will help you determine whether you should visit Dr. Villani to address your toothache.

Length of Pain

You may experience temporary tooth pain if you have food particles stuck between your teeth. If the pain doesn’t cease after brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth, then you should visit Dr. Villani. A toothache is usually the first symptom of a cavity. You usually can’t feel tooth decay in its early stages, so by the time it begins to cause pain, the decay is spreading, deepening, and worsening the condition of your oral health. If you ignore the pain and don’t visit the dentist, the problem will only worsen.

Location of Pain

Pinpoint the tooth that aches. Sometimes, the location of a throbbing sensation causes headaches and jaw aches that feel like toothaches. For example, if the pain is coming from your lower back tooth, it could be your jaw muscles that are actually hurting. In this case, you should visit Dr. Villani for a TMJ analysis. On the other hand, if your front teeth are hurting, you may have a tooth that is fractured or cracked, and Dr. Villani can take appropriate measures to treat and repair the problem. Sinus pressure can also cause toothaches.

Severity of Pain

Visit Dr. Villani if your tooth pain is interrupting your life. Studies show that people with dental pain often experience behavior problems, irritability, and decreased performance during the day. Take note of what makes the pain worse. For example, if it hurts more when you bite or eat, switch to a diet of softer foods for a few days to give your mouth some time to recover. If you notice that your tooth hurts at all times—whether there’s pressure on it or not—contact Dr. Villani immediately.

You shouldn’t ignore changes or pain in your mouth. If your toothache lasts more than a week, call Dr. Villani for an assessment. Contact Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, at (617) 562-5210 to schedule an appointment to relieve your tooth pain. We welcome patients from Brighton, Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, and the surrounding communities.