Tooth pain can stop you in your tracks and make it hard to enjoy simple things like meals with loved ones. But it can be hard to tell whether your discomfort is because of sensitivity or a more serious dental issue. Whether you’re dealing with sensitive teeth or a sudden toothache in Washington Heights, our team at Fort Washington Dental Associates is here to help you find relief.
This post explains the differences between tooth sensitivity and toothache, and provides tips for when to see a dentist and how you may be able to find relief.
How to Tell the Difference Between Tooth Sensitivity and Toothache
Tooth sensitivity involves tiny nerve endings inside the teeth that become irritated. A toothache is pain in response to problems such as cracks, cavities, or infections. It can be hard to tell the difference between the two, especially if your toothache is mild or builds up slowly over time.
Here are a few ways to tell if you have a toothache vs. sensitive teeth.
1. They have different triggers.
Sensitive teeth react to triggers like changes in temperature (especially cold temperatures), sweet or acidic foods like chocolate or pineapple, or physical touch such as when brushing your teeth. (This is why the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth is one that’s non-abrasive and doesn’t have ingredients like whitening, which can trigger sensitivity.)
Pain from a toothache can happen spontaneously without any trigger. It may also happen in response to pressure from biting or chewing.
However, these symptoms frequently overlap. For example, sensitive teeth can sometimes respond to bite pressure and a toothache can sometimes respond to temperature changes.
2. Sensitivity should fade quickly. Toothaches linger.
Tooth sensitivity usually feels like a sudden “zap” or “zing” immediately following a trigger that fades within a few seconds. A toothache is frequently constant, dull, or throbbing.
It’s important to know that sensitivity that’s incredibly intense or lingers after the trigger is removed can also indicate a more serious problem.
3. Toothaches may come with other symptoms.
If you have a toothache, you may also experience other symptoms like:
- Swelling
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Fever or chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- A bad taste or odor
- Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing
- Earaches
- Visible tooth problems or loose tooth
Sensitivity is frequently associated with worn down enamel or gum recession that exposes parts of the tooth where the nerve is closer to the surface, such as the dentin or root surface.
However, it doesn’t come with symptoms that indicate possible infection. If it does, you may need emergency dental treatment to keep the infection from spreading and putting your health at risk.
4. Sensitivity usually affects multiple teeth.
While it’s possible for a single tooth to become sensitive, it’s more typical that multiple teeth will be affected. In many cases, all the teeth in your mouth may be sensitive.
A toothache is usually more targeted. It frequently only affects a single injured or decayed tooth. However, the nerves of the teeth are somewhat interconnected, so referred pain is common, which can make it hard to pinpoint the exact source of a toothache.
When to Call a Dentist About a Toothache or Sensitive Teeth
As you can see, the symptoms of tooth sensitivity and a toothache overlap quite a bit, which can make it hard to tell the difference. This makes many people hesitant to call their dentist when something doesn’t feel right.
While it may be tempting to wait and hope the pain goes away, dental problems usually don’t get better on their own. Here are a few signs that you should call us about a toothache in Washington Heights!
- You have sudden sensitivity in a tooth that’s never been sensitive before.
- A tooth becomes sensitive to heat.
- The sensitivity lingers for several seconds after the trigger is gone.
- The pain is intense, stabbing, throbbing, aching, or persistent.
- You experience signs of infection, such as swelling or fever.
- It hurts when you chew or bite down.
- There is visible damage, such as a cavity, crack, or fracture.
- The sensitivity started after an injury to your mouth or head, even if it was a while ago.
- You’re worried and want to make sure everything is okay!
Our team at Fort Washington Dental Associates is always here to help, whether you just need reassurance or you’re looking for an emergency dentist to help you find relief.
Even if you don’t think the issue is serious, don’t hesitate to get in touch. In many cases, we can help you figure out the best course of action over the phone so you can rest easy knowing your smile is always in good hands.
Our Team Is Here to Help with Painful and Sensitive Teeth in Washington Heights!
Whether you have a toothache that needs urgent attention or it’s “just” sensitivity, you deserve relief! Ideally, your teeth should always feel comfortable and not hold you back from enjoying the foods and drinks you enjoy most.
We provide comprehensive treatments for sensitive teeth and toothaches in Washington Heights including cracked tooth treatments, gum grafts for recession, and recommendations like the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help your smile feel as comfortable as possible.
