There's a world of difference between a toothache and sensitive teeth. Occasionally, some people will experience the discomfort of a tooth that has suddenly become hypersensitive. It hurts when you sip a hot or cold drink, suck in cold air, or eat foods that are sweet or sour or acidic.

Usually, the tooth is sensitive only for a short time. The sensitivity soon goes away. But not when someone has a toothache. This can begin like the sensitive tooth syndrome, when eating hot or cold foods or when you are chewing vigorously. But the toothache doesn't go away. It stays and becomes worse, until you get the treatment you need. The pain becomes intense. The jaw begins to swell and you may experience fever. This usually means an abscess has formed in the infected tooth and decay has eaten through the pulp and infected the gums and hard tissues. There may be a pocket of pus around the root. Don't waste any time in getting help from your dentist. He can stop the pain, treat the tooth, and save it with prompt treatment. Presented in the interest of promoting a better dental health environment from the office of" Frank Soltiz, DDS 13367 Broadway Alden, New York 14004 937-7812