Toothaches can be a real pain, literally and figuratively. They can range from mild discomfort to severe ache that lasts for days. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it’s important to know what might be causing it so you can seek treatment as soon as possible. Here are seven common causes of tooth pain that you should be aware of.
Definition of Tooth Pain
Tooth pain is an uncomfortable sensation that can occur due to a range of causes, from cavities and abscesses to grinding your teeth throughout the day. It creates a throbbing, sharp, dull, or burning sensation in your gums and teeth, making it difficult to concentrate on everyday activities. It could be mild and bearable or, in some cases, more severe and persistent. If you experience tooth pain, consult with your dentist as soon as possible – a timely diagnosis will minimise further damage and quickly reduce your pain levels so you can get back to life as usual.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Tooth Pain?
1. Cavities
One of the causes of tooth pain is cavities due to tooth decay or bacterial infection. If left untreated, cavities can cause both toothache and gum pain and even lead to more serious dental problems like root canal infections or abscesses.
2. Gum Disease
2. Gum DiseaseAnother common cause of tooth pain is gum disease, which occurs when bacteria build up in the gums and between the teeth and cause inflammation and infection.
Left untreated, this can lead to significant damage to your teeth and gums, including receding gums, broken teeth, and even complete loss of teeth.
3. Infection
A bacterial infection in or around a tooth can also cause a painful toothache. This type of infection usually occurs after an injury, such as a cracked tooth or other trauma, that allows bacteria to enter the pulp (the centre) of the tooth, where it can cause swelling, infection, and ultimately death of the pulp tissue if not treated promptly with antibiotics or root canal therapy.
4. Grinding Teeth
Many individuals grind or clench their teeth at night without realising it; this habit is known as bruxism and is one of the most common causes of jaw joint problems as well as headaches and earaches due to clenching muscles in order to keep teeth together during sleep-grinding episodes. It can also lead to worn-down enamel on back molars, which may eventually expose deeper layers of enamel leading to sensitivity or even nerve exposure causing sharp pains when eating cold foods or drinking hot beverages due to extreme temperatures affecting exposed nerves directly without protection from healthy enamel layers above them.
5. Trauma To The Mouth
If you experience any trauma to your mouth, such as a blow from an accident or fall, it can be incredibly painful and cause swelling around the affected area. This is due to direct contact with nerves found in each tooth root. If not treated properly, this pain can become a long-term dull ache and may require antibiotics for infection and restoration work, depending on the severity. It is important to seek professional help for any kind of dental trauma.
6. Sinus Issues
Sinus congestion caused by allergies, colds, flu, or medical history can result in pressure being transferred to facial bones located around the sinuses. This may cause dull aches in upper molars, especially upon wide opening of the mouth -a common symptom which often occurs during early morning hours. Additionally, those suffering from dental infections or existing dental problems may experience more severe pain in the morning.
7. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are a common issue when there isn’t sufficient space in the mouth for adult molars to grow near the third molar area. This causes inflammation, infection, and sometimes cysts that can lead to intense pain radiating into other areas and swelling around the affected region.
Types of Tooth Pain
Sensitivity Pain
Sensitivity pain usually occurs when certain foods are eaten, or beverages are consumed. This kind of pain is typically caused by a thinning enamel that exposes the inner layer of your teeth, called dentin. These nerves respond to hot and cold temperatures by sending a sharp pain through your teeth. Treating sensitivity pain typically involves using a desensitising fluoride toothpaste or wearing a custom-made soft plastic guard while sleeping in order to protect your teeth from being exposed to extreme temperatures.
Sharp Pain
Sharp pains that come and go may be caused by an abscessed tooth or an infection in the gums or sinuses. The sharpness could also be caused by a cracked tooth or one that is starting to decay. If you have these signs and symptoms, you need to see a dentist right away, as they may need to prescribe antibiotics or perform root canal therapy in order to remedy the issue.
Throbbing Pain
Throbbing pains tend to last for longer periods of time but aren’t continuous throughout the day like some other types of tooth pain. Throbbing pains usually occur when there is inflammation within the gum tissues due to bacteria buildup causing infection along with swelling and redness. Treatment for this type of pain would involve flossing regularly and using an antiseptic mouthwash daily, which will help reduce plaque buildup and decrease inflammation over time.
Aching Pain
Aching pains are similar to throbbing pains, but they don’t come in waves like throbbing pains do; instead, they remain constant over time until relieved with medication or treatment from a dentist, such as a filling or crown replacement procedure for damage caused by cavities or decay. Aching pains can also be caused by grinding your teeth during sleep, so wearing a nightguard can help reduce this type of discomfort as well as protect against further damage from grinding and clenching habits that many people unknowingly do while sleeping.
Dull Pain
Dull pains are often associated with sensitivity because they occur when there is pressure on the nerve endings within the teeth due to worn-down enamel causing exposure of dentin underneath it. Dull aches may also occur due to sinus congestion as well since air pressure changes can affect sensitivity levels inside our mouths too! Treating dull aches includes desensitising products, such as pastes, gels, rinses, and strips that contain active ingredients like fluoride, which helps strengthen enamel surfaces in order to prevent future sensitivities from occurring again!
How to Treat Tooth Pain?
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Saltwater Rinse
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water 3–4 times per day for several days. This may help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
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Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to your jaw area may help reduce swelling and numb the affected area. Do not apply heat directly to an affected tooth; this will only make the pain worse.
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Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with toothaches. Be sure to follow the directions on package labels carefully when using these products.
Dental Treatment for Tooth Pain
Dental Examinations
Dental Examinations The first step in treating a toothache is a thorough dental examination. During the examination, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to identify any issues that may be causing the pain. X-rays may also be taken so that your dentist can make an accurate diagnosis. After your examination is complete, your dentist will explain their findings and recommend treatment options.
Treatment Options
Depending on the cause of your toothache, there are several different treatment options available. For example, if you have a cracked tooth or a cavity, your dentist may recommend a filling or restoration to repair the area and relieve pain. In some cases, endodontic (root canal) therapy may be necessary to remove infected tissue from inside the tooth and save it from extraction. If the tooth is badly decayed or damaged, then an extraction may be recommended instead.
How to Know If Your Toothache is Serious?
If you are experiencing a toothache that lasts more than one or two days, it might be something more serious than ordinary dental pain. This type of pain could signal an infection or something worse. To be certain, the most effective option is to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.
How to Prevent Toothache?
A toothache can be quite a painful and uncomfortable experience. Fortunately, there are simple measures you can take to prevent it. If you have an infected tooth, consider visiting your medical professional to help reduce the risk of the infection spreading. It is important to brush your teeth daily with fluoride toothpaste to help keep them healthy. Not only does this act as prevention against toothache but also for other dental issues such as tooth fractures. Make sure you contact your dentist once every 6 months for checkups in order to keep your teeth healthy and minimise the risk of developing a toothache.
Receive Prompt Relief from Your Toothache with the help of our Emergency Dentist in Adelaide
If you’re suffering from a nagging toothache, our Emergency Dentist in Adelaide is ready to help with quick, professional care. Our team of skilled dentists offers services that target the source of your pain and provide lasting relief. Whether your toothache is the result of a cavity, a broken tooth, or something else entirely, our experienced staff are here to assess the situation and offer solutions tailored to your individual needs. We understand the discomfort that comes with a toothache and strive to make your experience as stress-free and pleasant as possible – never compromising quality for ease or convenience. Call us at (08) 7078 8263 to schedule your consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Toothache
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache
Dental Health and Toothaches
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/toothaches