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Tooth Problems

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SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS		SELF-CARE
1. Is the pain specific to one tooth?		Go to Question 5.*
2. Did you have an injury that knocked out a tooth?		You have TOOTH LOSS.		DENTAL EMERGENCY Keep the tooth moist. It's best to keep the tooth in your mouth until you get to the dentist or emergency room.
3. Have you broken or chipped a tooth, or is the tooth loose in its socket?		Your pain may be from a fractured, cracked or loose tooth.		Save any pieces of the tooth, wrap them in a cool, moist cloth and make arrangements to see your dentist as soon as possible.
4. Do you feel pain when eating cold foods or liquids, or whenever you eat?		Your pain may be from a CAVITY.		See your dentist. Proper brushing and flossing along with fluoride rinses and coatings, as suggested by your dentist, may prevent tooth decay.
*5. Do you have redness or swelling surrounding one tooth, in the gums or even in your face?		This may represent a dental ABSCESS or an INFECTION in a tooth, gums or other tissues.		URGENT See your dentist promptly.
6. Do you have redness and swelling in large areas of the gums, or is the skin inside your mouth peeling?		These symptoms represent infections such as TRENCH MOUTH, GINGIVITIS or PERIODONTITIS.		Consult your dentist or doctor right away.
7. Do you have pain near the ear, headaches, or a cracking sound when you bite?		Your pain may be from TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ) syndrome.		Try relaxing your jaw when you are tense or nervous. Stop chewing gum. Try a mild anti-inflammatory medicine. If you don't get better, see your dentist.
For more information, please consult your dentist. If you think the problem is serious, call right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Family Physicians