As noted in the Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (JDAPM), a lot can happen to pain signals along their transmission route. When neural networks along a pain route get modifications, it can lead to you feeling pain in one part of your body when it's actually a result of an issue in another part of your body.
Referred tooth pain can be due to a host of other reasons, such as respiratory illness, recent dental work, problems with the heart or lungs, or certain neurological conditions. Let's go over a few critical causes of referred tooth pain:
When tooth pain strikes, it can often be so uncomfortable that you need immediate relief. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your dental professional as soon as you can. While you wait, you can try at-home remedies to get some relief. Your dental professional will check if an underlying issue with your tooth is causing you pain, such as a cavity, abscess, or injury. If they determine that your toothache is from a non-dental problem such as sinusitis, they'll refer you to a medical professional for proper treatment. Your doctor will also be able to determine if you're experiencing referred tooth pain.
Because it's challenging to figure out on your own what your referred tooth pain could mean, seeing your doctor is always your best option. They will be able to investigate the common causes of referred tooth pain, such as migraines, issues with your heart or lungs, and other internal organs. Depending on the ability to locate the specific area of pain in your mouth, your doctor might figure out where your pain is being transferred from. This investigative work can begin with a referred tooth pain chart that shows which areas of the face may hurt because of another issue in the body.
Although your tooth pain may not be due to dental decay, you should continue your top-notch oral care routine! This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, using floss, a water flosser, or another interdental device to clean between your teeth, and rinsing away any remaining bacteria with a mouthwash.
A toothache isn't something you can afford to ignore. If you have a painful tooth and are not sure of its cause, visit your dental professional right away. They can determine if your discomfort is due to an oral issue or if it's signaling another problem with your health. While it's essential to be in tune with your body's aches and pains, this type of investigative work usually requires a professional!
Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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