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What are the potential causes of tooth pain?
No matter how severe your toothache is, you should reach out to your dentist as soon as you notice any dental pain. In most cases, a rigorous oral hygiene routine will prevent toothaches or discomfort. However, there are a number of possible causes for the tooth pain that you are experiencing such as:
Tooth decay or cavities causing pain.
The pain associated with dental decay and cavities can come on quite suddenly, even if the damage has been occurring for a while. This should be taken care of as soon as possible to prevent an infection takes hold.
Nighttime grinding or facial injuries.
For patients who grind their teeth in their sleep and those who participate in sports, trauma and injuries can occur causing pain. Getting hit in the face and the consistent grinding down of your teeth are both highly likely to create discomfort and sensitivity. 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 and crowding.
When you suffer from impacted wisdom teeth it can not only put pressure on all of the surrounding teeth but it may also lead to painful infections. Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to secondary issues including tooth damage and crowding if there isn’t enough space for them to erupt properly.
Infection leading to an abscessed tooth.
If you develop a bacterial infection in your mouth it can lead to the development of pus-filled pockets. This not only creates painful sensitivity, but can also develop into a more serious, or even life-threatening, condition.
Gum or 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.
If your case is more advanced then your dentist may need to consider dental surgery, root canals or antibiotics to assist in treatment.
Other Possible Causes of Dental Discomfort
If you experience occasional sensitivity then you may not have any immediate concerns.
By using a sensitivity toothpaste you may be able to help minimize this sensation. 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.
What can be done to relieve tooth pain?
If you are wondering how to relieve tooth pain, the first and most obvious answer is to make an appointment with your dentist so that the issue can be diagnosed and treated.
In the meantime, there are a few home remedies for tooth pain you can try. Apply an ice pack or take 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.