Possible Causes of Toothaches and Dental Pain
No matter the potential causes, you should have tooth pain evaluated by a dental professional. In most cases, a rigorous oral hygiene routine will prevent toothaches or discomfort. However, many potential factors can cause tooth or gum pain, including the following
Tooth decay or cavities.
Though cavities often happen gradually, pain can occur suddenly. These cavities should be addressed as quickly as possible. If left untreated they can develop into advanced tooth decay resulting in more serious conditions.
Dental injuries, tooth grinding and trauma.
Whether you grind your teeth in your sleep and gradually wear them down, or you sustain an injury in some more immediate way, for instance, while playing sports, a fractured or damaged tooth can be very painful – don’t ignore it. Your dentist may recommend treating it with a filling, crown or bonding.
Grinding may also cause tooth sensitivity issues. Ask your dentist for tips on how to break this harmful habit.
Impacted wisdom teeth.
When wisdom teeth become impacted, they often become quite painful due to the pressure they inflict on the surrounding teeth, or infection. If you experience impacted wisdom teeth then you may also suffer from other concerns such as overcrowding. Your dentist may recommend the removal of these wisdom teeth in order to treat the present concern.
Infections and the resulting abscesses.
Bacterial infections may lead to pockets filled with pus. This not only creates painful sensitivity, but can also develop into a more serious, or even life-threatening, condition.
Gingivitis and gum (periodontal) disease.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) can range from early stage (gingivitis) to moderate and severe. In the early stages, your dentist may treat your gingivitis with a procedure called scaling and root planing – the process of removing plaque buildup from the gum line.
For a more urgent case that’s progressed to severe gum disease, you may need a root canal, antibiotics, and/or surgery.
Other Causes Behind Dental Pain
We should note that some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity, which doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious problem.
Using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth may help. You should also attempt to avoid eating extremely hot or cold food and drinks until the sensitivity goes away.
If you notice ongoing sensitivity (for more than a couple of days), this may be cause for more serious concern, such as gum recession, and you should see your dentist.
There are also times the issue that’s causing your tooth pain may lie outside your mouth. Viral or sinus infections, vitamin deficiencies, headaches or colds may cause symptoms similar to what you might feel with a toothache.
However, it’s still worth it to schedule an appointment with your dentist as ignoring or misdiagnosing the pain yourself could lead to serious issues. Most dental pain won’t stop on its own and should be assessed by your dentist.
Options for Relieving Dental Pain
The most effective method of pain relief is by visiting your dentist for an examination and treatment.
while you wait for an appointment there are a number of ways to relieve tooth pain. Apply an ice pack or taking an over-the-counter pain medication to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, a saltwater rinse can also help soothe and relieve tooth pain.
