Tooth Pain Guide
Symptom: Momentary sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
 Possible Problem
If the discomfort lasts only moments, sensitivity to hot and cold foods generally does not signal a problem. The sensitivity may be caused by a loose filling or by gum recession which exposes small areas of the root surface.
What to do
Try using toothpastes specifically made for sensitive teeth. Brush in the direction that the teeth grow with a soft brush; brushing sideways wears gum and may expose root surfaces. If this is unsuccessful in alleviating your discomfort, see your dentist for additional help.
Symptom: Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment.
Possible Problem
Dental work may inflame the pulp, or nerves, inside the tooth, causing temporary sensitivity.
What to do
Wait four to six weeks. If the pain persists or worsens, see your dentist.
Symptom: Sharp pain when biting down on food.
Possible Problem
There are several possible causes of this type of pain: decay, a loose filling, or a crack in the tooth. There may be damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth.
What to do
See a dentist for an evaluation. If the problem is pulp tissue damage, your dentist may suggest the need for root canal therapy.
Symptom: Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods.
Possible Problem
This suggests that the pulp has been damaged by deep decay or physical trauma.
What to do
You will need to seek root canal treatment.
Symptom: Constant and severe pain and pressure, swelling of gum, and sensitivity to touch.
Possible Problem
A tooth may have abscessed, causing the surrounding bone to become infected and inflamed.
What to do
See your dentist for an evaluation and a determination of the treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth. In the interim, it is advisable to take such medications as Advil in conjunction with analgesics provided there are no allergies or restrictions due to the use of other medications.
Symptom: Dull ache and pressure in upper teeth and jaw.
Possible Problem
The pain of a sinus headache is often felt in the face and teeth. Grinding of teeth, a condition known as bruxism, can also cause this type of ache.
What to do
For sinus headache, try over-the-counter analgesics or sinus medicine. For bruxism, consult your dentist. If pain is severe and chronic, see your physician or an endodontist for evaluation.
Symptom: Chronic pain in head, neck or ear.
Possible Problem
Sometimes pulp-damaged teeth can cause pain in other parts of the head and neck; however, other dental or medical problems may be responsible.
What to do
See your dentist for an evaluation. If the problem is not related to the tooth, they will refer you to an appropriate dental specialist or physician.
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