Dental question about taxonomy:symptom:tooth-pain

Tooth pain can come from inflamed pulp, exposed dentin, a cracked tooth, decay, gum tissue, or pressure around an erupting tooth.

The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth. Bacteria entering through decay or a crack can inflame it; cold sensitivity can also arise when open dentin allows fluid movement in microscopic tubules.

Rinse gently, keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and note whether cold, heat, sweets, biting, or spontaneous episodes trigger the pain. Use suitable over-the-counter pain relief only as directed, and do not place aspirin on the gum.

Seek prompt dental care for pain that persists, returns, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, a bad taste, trauma, or difficulty opening the mouth. Facial swelling with breathing or swallowing difficulty requires emergency care.

Ask which tissue is causing the pain, whether an X-ray or vitality test is needed, and whether treatment means a filling, crack management, root canal treatment, extraction, or gum care.