Different Types of Toothaches and What They Might Mean

Few things are as frustrating as a toothache. A sudden pain in your mouth can disrupt your entire day and prevent you from eating or even smiling without severe discomfort. You would do just about anything to find out where your toothache came from. Luckily, an emergency dentist in Lynchburg has written this guide on what your tooth pain might mean.

Dull Nagging Toothache

As the most common kind of toothache, this pain is usually mild and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen. However, these medications should not be used as a substitute for actual treatment. Many people believe that a dull toothache is normal, but this simply isn’t true. No matter how mild your tooth pain is, you should seek emergency treatment before it worsens. This kind of discomfort is most commonly seen in people who chronically grind their teeth.

Intermittent “Jabbing” Pains

This type of toothache is not so much an ache as it is an irregular “stabbing” sensation that occurs in one or several teeth, usually in response to a stimulus, such as opening your mouth or eating something hot or cold. It typically comes and goes, but when it appears, it’s extremely painful. It may be caused by a cavity, dental abscess, or a crack in the tooth.

Sharp Sensitivity

This variety of tooth pain is similar to the one described above, but only happens when you eat or drink something very hot or cold, such as ice cream or coffee. Sometimes, cold air can even cause this pain. It could be the result of an abscess or cavity, but it’s also frequently seen in people with receding gums or those who brush their teeth too roughly.

Pain Only When Eating

If your mouth hurts when you chew, it may be due to a cavity or fracture in one of your teeth. Although this type of pain can be managed with store-bought pain medication, you should still contact your dentist before the situation worsens.

Pain at the Back of the Jaw

While not as common as the rest, a pain in the back of the jaw usually signifies impacted wisdom teeth, which have failed to break through the gumline. If left untreated, your wisdom teeth can push against other teeth and trap food particles that may cause painful infections.

If any of these kinds of toothaches sound familiar, call and set up an appointment with your emergency dentist in Lynchburg as soon as you can. They can get to the root of your pain and alleviate it as quickly as possible so that you can return to your normal life.

About the Author

Dr. James M. Peery, Jr. has been practicing in the Lynchburg, VA area since 1980. He is a former president of the Lynchburg Dental Society, and a current member of the American Dental Association. Due to COVID-19, his practice is currently only open to treating dental emergencies, such as severe toothaches. For fast and effective tooth pain relief, you can contact Dr. Peery at (434) 847-5331.