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Toothache and Gum Problems

Parts of a tooth, Opens dialog

Bone and gums around the teeth, Opens dialog

Tooth decay, Opens dialog

Tooth abscess, Opens dialog

Gingivitis, Opens dialog

Periodontitis (advanced gum disease), Opens dialog

Reading medicine labels, Opens dialog

Overview

Toothaches and gum problems are common. But you can usually prevent them by taking good care of your teeth and gums. Keeping your teeth, gums, and the bones around your teeth healthy requires regular brushing, flossing, and good nutrition. Look for toothpastes that have been approved by the Canadian Dental Association. Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.

Toothaches

Sometimes you may have tooth pain when you touch a tooth or when you eat or drink foods that are hot, cold, sweet, or sour (a sensitive tooth). Mild sensitivity can be caused by shrunken (receded) gums or a worn-down tooth. Moderate to severe sensitivity can mean that you have a cracked tooth, a dental cavity, or a lost filling. Seeing a dentist for treatment can prevent the tooth from dying.

The most common cause of a toothache is tooth decay. But you might not have a toothache in the early stages of decay. Other reasons for a toothache might include:

An infection of or around the tooth (abscess). A red, swollen, painful bump may be found near or on the side of the sore tooth. The tooth may hurt more when you bite down.
A tooth that has not broken through the gum (impacted tooth). Gums may be red, swollen, and sore. The area around this tooth can ache, throb, and be quite painful.
Problems with or injury to the nerves in the centre of the tooth (pulp). These can be caused by an injury to the face or from grinding or gnashing the teeth.

Sometimes a toothache can be caused by another health problem, such as:

A heart attack, a cluster headache, or a sinus infection. These can cause referred pain into the teeth or jaw.
Viral infections, such as shingles.
Diseases, such as diabetes.
Nerve-related disease, such as trigeminal neuralgia.
Alcohol or drug use, especially methamphetamines.
Vitamin deficiencies, such as too little vitamin B12.

Gum problems

Healthy gums are pink and firm and don't bleed easily. Now and then, your gums may bleed if you brush your teeth and gums too hard, use a hard-bristled toothbrush, or snap dental floss hard against your gums. Be gentle with your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss carefully to help prevent bleeding gums.

Gingivitis is a gum disease that causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain, many people delay treatment. If not treated, gum disease can cause more serious problems with the gum tissue.

Periodontitis is severe gum disease. It's caused by long-term infection of the gums, bone, and other tissues that surround and support the teeth. It can progress until the bones that support the teeth are damaged. In this late stage, teeth may become loose and fall out or need to be removed. Early treatment of gum disease is important to prevent tooth loss.

Other causes of gum bleeding, swelling, and pain include:

Pregnancy, blood-thinning medicines, and bleeding disorders. Each of these can cause gums to bleed easily.
Lack of vitamins, such as vitamin K or vitamin C, or medical problems, such as anemia, that interfere with how well the body can absorb certain vitamins.
Teething in babies and young children.
Medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or calcium channel blockers.
Dentures or a dental appliance that irritates the gums.
An infection around the root of the tooth. Swelling and redness, sometimes with pus, may appear at the base of a tooth.

Smoking and using other tobacco products increases your risk for gum disease. Smokers have a higher chance of having gum disease throughout their mouths than non-smokers. But you might not have symptoms of bleeding or swollen gums. That's because the normal bleeding immune response is affected by tobacco use. Chewing tobacco or using snuff may push back the gums in the area of the mouth where the tobacco is inserted. Constant irritation caused by tobacco products increases your risk of oral cancer.

Health Tools

Check Your Symptoms

Do you have a toothache or a problem with your gums? Review health risks that may make any symptom more serious.

Yes

Toothache or gum problem

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, or natural health products can cause symptoms or make them worse.
Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Pain in adults and older children

Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and can't do anything else except focus on the pain.
Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it's severe when it's there.
Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Pain in children under 3 years

It can be hard to tell how much pain a baby or toddler is in.

Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the baby cannot sleep, cannot get comfortable, and cries constantly no matter what you do. The baby may kick, make fists, or grimace.
Moderate pain (5 to 7): The baby is very fussy, clings to you a lot, and may have trouble sleeping but responds when you try to comfort him or her.
Mild pain (1 to 4): The baby is a little fussy and clings to you a little but responds when you try to comfort him or her.

Many prescription and non-prescription medicines can cause mouth problems. A few examples are:

Antibiotics.
Some seizure medicines.
Medicines used to treat cancer (chemotherapy).
Steroid medicines.
Medicines used after organ transplant.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:

Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
Medicines taken after organ transplant.
Not having a spleen.

Symptoms of a heart attack may include:

Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
Sweating.
Shortness of breath.
Nausea or vomiting.
Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms.
Light-headedness or sudden weakness.
A fast or irregular heartbeat.

For men and women, the most common symptom is chest pain or pressure. But women are somewhat more likely than men to have other symptoms like shortness of breath, tiredness, nausea, and back or jaw pain.

Mouth and Dental Injuries

C undefined
R 13.8.0.0

Information about Toothache and Gum Problems

Self-Care

Try these tips to help treat a sensitive tooth, toothache, or gum problem.

Treat tooth sensitivity.
You can reduce sensitivity to heat, cold, or brushing.
- Use a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth.
- Brush with it regularly, or rub a small amount of the paste on the sensitive area with your finger 2 or 3 times a day.
- Floss gently between your teeth.
Ease a toothache.
- Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to reduce pain and swelling. Don't use heat.
- Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks if they make your pain worse.
- Adults can apply an over-the-counter benzocaine gel to the tooth for short–term relief. Ask your doctor before using mouth-numbing medicine for children of any age. Health Canada warns that some of these can be dangerous. Be safe with medicine. Read and follow all instructions on the label. If your pain lasts longer than a few days or it gets worse, call a doctor.
Treat gum problems.
- Use a tartar-control toothpaste that contains fluoride. And use a mouthwash that contains fluoride if your gums are mildly swollen and red.
- Make sure to brush after meals and snacks and floss every day.
- Chew sugar-free gum, use a toothpick, or rinse your mouth with warm salt water if you can't brush after eating. You can make your own salt water by mixing 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of salt with 1 cup (250 mL) of warm water.
- Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Tobacco can cause many gum problems, decrease your ability to fight infection of your gums, and delay healing.
- Don't use illegal drugs, such as methamphetamines, that cause tooth and gum problems.

Caring for a loose tooth

Try these tips for caring for a loose tooth.

Protect a slightly loose tooth.
Teeth that are slightly loose but still in their normal position should tighten up in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Eat a diet of soft foods for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Be gentle when you brush or floss.
- Wear a mouth guard or face protection if you play sports.
Remove a very loose baby tooth in a child.
- First, tilt your child's head forward and down so that when the tooth comes out, it doesn't fall to the back of the throat, causing your child to choke or swallow the tooth.
- Grasp the tooth with gauze or a face cloth, and pull firmly with a twisting motion.

Caring for a knocked-out tooth

Mouth injuries that are forceful enough to knock out a tooth may also damage other teeth or other structures in the mouth or face, such as the roof of the mouth, gums, lips, or cheeks. A permanent tooth can sometimes be put back into its socket (reimplanted). The best results occur if a dentist puts the tooth back in the socket within 30 minutes. Chances of successful reimplantation are unlikely after 2 hours.

Find the tooth.
- For a baby tooth (primary tooth): Apply clean gauze to the gum and socket for about 15 minutes to control the bleeding. A baby tooth is not reimplanted after it has been knocked out because the reimplantation may cause problems with later development of the permanent tooth. Your child will need to be checked by a dentist even if the tooth was getting ready to fall out soon.
- For a permanent tooth: Apply clean gauze and continue with the steps listed below.
Rinse the tooth.
- Rinse the tooth gently with tap water while holding it by the top of the tooth (crown). Do not rub or scrub the tooth or touch the root.
Store the tooth properly for transport to the dentist.
- The best way to transport a tooth is to put it back into the socket. Gently place it back into its normal position. Do not be concerned if it sticks out slightly. Bite down gently on gauze or a moistened tea bag to help keep the tooth in place. Hold the tooth in the socket with your finger during transport.
- An adult or older child may be able to keep the tooth in their mouth between the gums and the cheek or under the tongue, being careful not to swallow it.
- A young child should not be expected to do this.
- If the adult or child is too anxious to put the tooth in the socket or hold it between the gums and the cheek, place the tooth in milk. If milk is not available, use tap water or a non-prescription product, such as Save-A-Tooth.
- Do not put the tooth in salt water, alcohol, or mouthwash.
Seek immediate care.
- Call your dentist immediately to arrange for your care. If you are unable to talk with your dentist right away, go to a hospital emergency room immediately. Be sure to take the tooth with you.

When to call for help during self-care

Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:

New or worse signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or a fever.
New or worse dehydration.
Symptoms occur more often or are more severe.

Learn more

Over-the-counter medicines

More self-care

Preparing For Your Appointment

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Click here to learn about Ignite Healthwise, LLC

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Toothache and Gum Problems

Overview

Parts of a tooth, Opens dialog

Bone and gums around the teeth, Opens dialog

Tooth decay, Opens dialog

Tooth abscess, Opens dialog

Gingivitis, Opens dialog

Periodontitis (advanced gum disease), Opens dialog

Reading medicine labels, Opens dialog

Overview

Toothaches and gum problems are common. But you can usually prevent them by taking good care of your teeth and gums. Keeping your teeth (Figure 1), gums, and the bones around your teeth (Figure 2) healthy requires regular brushing, flossing, and good nutrition. Look for toothpastes that have been approved by the Canadian Dental Association. Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.

Toothaches

The most common cause of a toothache is tooth decay (Figure 3). But you might not have a toothache in the early stages of decay. Other reasons for a toothache might include:

An infection of or around the tooth (abscess (Figure 4)). A red, swollen, painful bump may be found near or on the side of the sore tooth. The tooth may hurt more when you bite down.
A tooth that has not broken through the gum (impacted tooth). Gums may be red, swollen, and sore. The area around this tooth can ache, throb, and be quite painful.
Problems with or injury to the nerves in the centre of the tooth (pulp). These can be caused by an injury to the face or from grinding or gnashing the teeth.

Sometimes a toothache can be caused by another health problem, such as:

A heart attack, a cluster headache, or a sinus infection. These can cause referred pain into the teeth or jaw.
Viral infections, such as shingles.
Diseases, such as diabetes.
Nerve-related disease, such as trigeminal neuralgia.
Alcohol or drug use, especially methamphetamines.
Vitamin deficiencies, such as too little vitamin B12.

Gum problems

Gingivitis (Figure 5) is a gum disease that causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain, many people delay treatment. If not treated, gum disease can cause more serious problems with the gum tissue.

Periodontitis (Figure 6) is severe gum disease. It's caused by long-term infection of the gums, bone, and other tissues that surround and support the teeth. It can progress until the bones that support the teeth are damaged. In this late stage, teeth may become loose and fall out or need to be removed. Early treatment of gum disease is important to prevent tooth loss.

Other causes of gum bleeding, swelling, and pain include:

Pregnancy, blood-thinning medicines, and bleeding disorders. Each of these can cause gums to bleed easily.
Lack of vitamins, such as vitamin K or vitamin C, or medical problems, such as anemia, that interfere with how well the body can absorb certain vitamins.
Teething in babies and young children.
Medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or calcium channel blockers.
Dentures or a dental appliance that irritates the gums.
An infection around the root of the tooth. Swelling and redness, sometimes with pus, may appear at the base of a tooth.

Health Tools

Check Your Symptoms

Self-Care

Do you have a toothache or a problem with your gums? Review health risks that may make any symptom more serious.

Yes

Toothache or gum problem

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, or natural health products can cause symptoms or make them worse.
Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Pain in adults and older children

Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and can't do anything else except focus on the pain.
Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it's severe when it's there.
Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Pain in children under 3 years

It can be hard to tell how much pain a baby or toddler is in.

Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the baby cannot sleep, cannot get comfortable, and cries constantly no matter what you do. The baby may kick, make fists, or grimace.
Moderate pain (5 to 7): The baby is very fussy, clings to you a lot, and may have trouble sleeping but responds when you try to comfort him or her.
Mild pain (1 to 4): The baby is a little fussy and clings to you a little but responds when you try to comfort him or her.

Many prescription and non-prescription medicines can cause mouth problems. A few examples are:

Antibiotics.
Some seizure medicines.
Medicines used to treat cancer (chemotherapy).
Steroid medicines.
Medicines used after organ transplant.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:

Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
Medicines taken after organ transplant.
Not having a spleen.

Symptoms of a heart attack may include:

Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
Sweating.
Shortness of breath.
Nausea or vomiting.
Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms.
Light-headedness or sudden weakness.
A fast or irregular heartbeat.

Mouth and Dental Injuries

C undefined
R 13.8.0.0

Information about Toothache and Gum Problems

Self-Care

Preparing For Your Appointment

Try these tips to help treat a sensitive tooth, toothache, or gum problem.

Treat tooth sensitivity.
You can reduce sensitivity to heat, cold, or brushing.
- Use a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth.
- Brush with it regularly, or rub a small amount of the paste on the sensitive area with your finger 2 or 3 times a day.
- Floss gently between your teeth.
Ease a toothache.
- Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to reduce pain and swelling. Don't use heat.
- Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks if they make your pain worse.
- Adults can apply an over-the-counter benzocaine gel to the tooth for short–term relief. Ask your doctor before using mouth-numbing medicine for children of any age. Health Canada warns that some of these can be dangerous. Be safe with medicine. Read and follow all instructions on the label (Figure 7). If your pain lasts longer than a few days or it gets worse, call a doctor.
Treat gum problems.
- Use a tartar-control toothpaste that contains fluoride. And use a mouthwash that contains fluoride if your gums are mildly swollen and red.
- Make sure to brush after meals and snacks and floss every day.
- Chew sugar-free gum, use a toothpick, or rinse your mouth with warm salt water if you can't brush after eating. You can make your own salt water by mixing 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of salt with 1 cup (250 mL) of warm water.
- Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Tobacco can cause many gum problems, decrease your ability to fight infection of your gums, and delay healing.
- Don't use illegal drugs, such as methamphetamines, that cause tooth and gum problems.

Caring for a loose tooth

Try these tips for caring for a loose tooth.

Protect a slightly loose tooth.
Teeth that are slightly loose but still in their normal position should tighten up in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Eat a diet of soft foods for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Be gentle when you brush or floss.
- Wear a mouth guard or face protection if you play sports.
Remove a very loose baby tooth in a child.
- First, tilt your child's head forward and down so that when the tooth comes out, it doesn't fall to the back of the throat, causing your child to choke or swallow the tooth.
- Grasp the tooth with gauze or a face cloth, and pull firmly with a twisting motion.

Caring for a knocked-out tooth

Find the tooth.
- For a baby tooth (primary tooth): Apply clean gauze to the gum and socket for about 15 minutes to control the bleeding. A baby tooth is not reimplanted after it has been knocked out because the reimplantation may cause problems with later development of the permanent tooth. Your child will need to be checked by a dentist even if the tooth was getting ready to fall out soon.
- For a permanent tooth: Apply clean gauze and continue with the steps listed below.
Rinse the tooth.
- Rinse the tooth gently with tap water while holding it by the top of the tooth (crown). Do not rub or scrub the tooth or touch the root.
Store the tooth properly for transport to the dentist.
- The best way to transport a tooth is to put it back into the socket. Gently place it back into its normal position. Do not be concerned if it sticks out slightly. Bite down gently on gauze or a moistened tea bag to help keep the tooth in place. Hold the tooth in the socket with your finger during transport.
- An adult or older child may be able to keep the tooth in their mouth between the gums and the cheek or under the tongue, being careful not to swallow it.
- A young child should not be expected to do this.
- If the adult or child is too anxious to put the tooth in the socket or hold it between the gums and the cheek, place the tooth in milk. If milk is not available, use tap water or a non-prescription product, such as Save-A-Tooth.
- Do not put the tooth in salt water, alcohol, or mouthwash.
Seek immediate care.
- Call your dentist immediately to arrange for your care. If you are unable to talk with your dentist right away, go to a hospital emergency room immediately. Be sure to take the tooth with you.

When to call for help during self-care

Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:

New or worse signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or a fever.
New or worse dehydration.
Symptoms occur more often or are more severe.

Learn more

Over-the-counter medicines

More self-care

Preparing For Your Appointment

Related Information

Credits

Health Tools

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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Toothache and Gum Problems

Overview

Toothaches

Gum problems

Health Tools

Check Your Symptoms

Self-Care

Preparing For Your Appointment

Related Information

Credits

Toothache and Gum Problems

Overview

Toothaches

Gum problems

Figure 1 - Parts of a tooth

Figure 2 - Bone and gums around the teeth

Figure 3 - Tooth decay

Health Tools

Check Your Symptoms

Self-Care

Preparing For Your Appointment

Related Information

Credits