Is swollen and painful gums considered a toothache?
Generally speaking, whether gingival swelling and pain constitute toothache needs to be determined based on specific circumstances. If the gum pain is accompanied by other symptoms, it is usually considered as toothache; if the pain originates from the tooth itself, it is not considered as gingival swelling and pain. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Toothache generally refers to pain originating from the tooth itself, while gingival swelling and pain mainly refer to inflammation and pain in the gum area. If the inflammation and pain in the gum area are caused by conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis, or pulpitis, and are possibly accompanied by symptoms like redness and swelling of the gums, bleeding, or bad breath, it is typically regarded as a manifestation of toothache. In such cases, dental fillings, root canal treatment, or other methods under a doctor's guidance are usually required to relieve the pain.
If the tooth pain is caused by tooth sensitivity or dental caries, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, pain from hot or cold stimuli, or pain upon biting. This type of tooth pain does not fall under the category of gingival swelling and pain. Dental restoration or changing toothpaste may be needed according to a doctor's advice.
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits daily and undergoing regular dental checkups can help prevent both gingival swelling and toothache.