Toothache

What can you do about toothache?

Toothache is one of the most unpleasant pains, as it is very close to important sensory organs such as nose, eyes, ears and the brain. In any case, pain in the tooth and jaw area is an indicator of pathological processes that are already underway in the body.

Do not hesitate to visit our dental practice Leonhard in Berlin as soon as possible if you have a toothache.

How does a toothache develop?

In general, pain in the tooth and jaw area can have various causes. If the dental pulp, which is surrounded by the solid part (hard tooth substance) and the tooth root tips, is acutely inflamed, pain becomes noticeable. The pulp is often referred to as the dental nerve, which has become colloquially established. The pulp contains connective tissue and nerve fibers as well as blood vessels and lymph. The nerve endings sometimes extend into the fine dentinal tubules and transmit pain stimuli. In the initial stage, pain is usually localized to a limited extent, but can spread to the root tips and into the jaw.

What are the causes behind toothache?

A very common cause is an inflammation of the dental pulp, which is called pulpitis. If caries bacteria are present and have penetrated as far as the pulp, acute pulpitis is accompanied by sometimes severe pain. The reason why caries bacteria can quickly penetrate to the pulp in children and adolescents is the small distance between the pulp and the tooth surface.

Pulpitis can be triggered not only by bacteria, but also by chemical and mechanical irritation, as well as by heat or cold. Of concern are not only pains that are short-lived or temporary, but those that are prolonged.

If acute pulpitis is not treated in time, the patient runs the risk of developing chronic pulpitis. Abscesses can be a consequence or tissue that dies (necrosis) and the tooth can no longer be fully preserved. Furthermore, facial nerves may be affected if the pulp is acutely inflamed. Or conversely, facial pain (neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia) occasionally indicates a disease in the dental region.

If tooth necks are open, this leads to pain at the gum line, between the tooth crown and the gums, especially with hot-cold or pressure sensations.

How does toothache manifest itself?

The perception of pain is varied. Nevertheless, there are a few clues that can be used to identify toothache:

  • Pain in the tooth may be dull, throbbing, pulsating, or sharp.
  • Pain in the tooth can reach soft tissues or deep into the root tip.
  • Pain that occurs in a flash or is permanently present.
  • If pain is only felt when biting down, this is also an indicator of pathological processes in the mouth area.
  • Tapping test can be used to test whether pain occurs when pressure is applied to the outer tooth.
  • Thermal, mechanical or chemical changes in the mouth trigger a pain reaction.

Pain in the dental area is a warning signal and indicates pathological changes that need to be treated. In addition, altered taste or acrid odor are indicators that may point to advanced disease.

Dear patients,

our practice is closed on 2.05 and 3.05.
We will be back for you from Monday 6.05.