Possible Reasons for Your Molar Teeth Pain

Toothaches are usually the result of tooth decay or dental cavities, and sometimes an infection. They’re often an outcome of poor oral hygiene. However, pain in other parts of the body can also lead to toothaches in a process called “referred pain.”

Proper oral hygiene accompanied by a dental cleaning every three to six months could prevent molar tooth pain and decay. Contact Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS at Lakefront Family Dentistry to learn more about how to improve your oral hygiene routine. To schedule an appointment with an award-winning family dentist, Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

Causes of Molar Teeth Discomfort

Common causes of a toothache include:

• Tooth deterioration
• Abscessed tooth
• Tooth breakage
• Damaged filling
• Grinding teeth or chewing gum
• Infected gums

Risk factors for tooth decay include:

• Dry mouth (not being able to produce saliva makes it harder to wash away harmful sugars and foods)
• Age (younger people are more likely to have tooth decay because their teeth are still growing)
• Respiratory conditions
• Certain types of bacteria that are present in the mouth
• Diabetes
• Medication that contains sugar (sugar feeds bacteria)

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a toothache include:

• Throbbing, sharp or constant tooth pain (pain resulting from pressure being applied on the tooth)
• Inflammation around the tooth
• Drainage coming from the tooth

When Should You Consult a Dentist?

If your toothache lasts more than two days, is severe or if you have an earache, fever or pain when you open your mouth wide, you should see a dentist.

Diagnosis

During your first visit, Dr. Hauser will ask for your medical history, and then, he will perform a physical exam. He will then ask questions regarding your pain levels: when the pain began, how severe it is and so on. Then, you will go through an oral examination to uncover the root cause of the problem.

In order to alleviate molar toothache pain, you must receive an accurate diagnosis. Your dentist should take an x-ray and look at the painful area closely. Diagnostic tests may include putting heat or ice on the tooth in order to determine the state of the dental pulp.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, abscessed teeth are tender to the tapping of a metal dental instrument. Probing around the outer edges of the tooth is important in understanding the health of gums, specifically where they attach the tooth and bone.

Treatment

Removing the diseased pulp is a common treatment for an abscessed tooth. Tooth extraction and root canal procedures can do this. A root canal, according to the American Association of Endodontists, is the best treatment to save an abscessed tooth.

If the pain is due to a cavity, then your dentist will extract the tooth or fill the cavity. Tooth decay causes cavities to form as oral bacteria produce acid that eats away at the tooth. If decay is not addressed, then it may cause pain, become infected and possibly result in tooth loss.

Some at-home remedies for toothaches include:

• Rinsing mouth with warm water
• Gently flossing the area to remove food particles
• Applying a cool compress to the outside of the cheek or mouth
• Taking an acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, for pain

Prevention

Considering most toothaches result from tooth deterioration, practicing proper oral care can prevent them. Good oral hygiene includes brushing your molar teeth at least twice daily with fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing daily and visiting your dentist for professional cleanings twice yearly.

Additionally, you should eat foods that are low in sugar and talk to your dentist about fluoride applications and sealants.

Why Book An Appointment At Lakefront Dentistry?

The Lakefront Family Dentistry office features plush, state-of-the-art furniture and equipment. Here, you can feel comfortable knowing that your dentist leads the field both in technological experience and years of practice. Dr. Hauser has spent more than two decades serving families in Riverside County.

So, whether your toothache is caused by an abscessed tooth, excessive tooth grinding or a damaged filling, Dr. Hauser can help. To ease your molar tooth pain, contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS, at Lakefront Family Dentistry