Dental/Mouth Pain

Dental and mouth pain can occur for many reasons - like a popcorn hull stuck in your tooth, to canker sores, to bacterial infections.

If a person has unexplained pain that does not get better on its own, severe mouth pain, or signs of infection, they need to seek medical care.

 

Causes

Various conditions can cause mouth pain, ranging from minor injuries and treatable infections to more serious diseases. The issue may be dental, affecting the teeth and gums, or it may involve the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the tongue or inside of the cheeks.

Symptoms

  • Severe, persistent toothache.
  • Swelling of the face or jaw.
  • Mouth ulcers (small sores on the inside of the cheeks or tongue).
  • Painful, fluid-filled blisters.
  • Lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth.
  • Jaw pain or tenderness.
  • Discomfort when chewing.
  • Facial pain/headaches.

Treatment

There are many treatment options for mouth pain, depending on your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. Some home remedies include:

  • Oral rinses or lozenges.
  • Ice/Cold compress.
  • Over-the-counter pain medications.
  • Over-the-counter topical medications.

For persistant and unexplained mouth pain, an Indigo clinician may prescribe antibiotics or other prescription medications.

Should I go to Indigo?

If you have dental or mouth pain that is unexplained and doesn't resolve on its own, Indigo can diagnose your symptoms and recommend treatment. 

If you are having any of the following symptoms, visit your nearest emergency department:

  • Major facial trauma
  • Inability to swallow
  • Drooling
  • Significant swelling under the tongue and/or difficulty breathing
  • Unbearable tooth pain that doesn’t get better with medication.
  • Bleeding that won’t stop with applied pressure.

How can we help?