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Tooth Pain: How does it happen?
No matter how bad the toothache seems you should always look into having a dental examination. 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
Advanced Tooth Decay / Cavities
Cavities develop slowly over time and cause little pain until they are more advanced. So while the pain may seem like it has come on very suddenly it likely has been developing over time along with the cavity. This should be taken care of as soon as possible to prevent an infection takes hold.
Dental Injuries or Trauma
Dental trauma can occur over time from an ongoing issue, such as teeth grinding, or if you suddenly sustain a blow to the face causing injury. 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.
If you experience the bad habit of teeth grinding then you should speak with your dentist about ways to manage it as this can lead o serious sensitivity.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When you suffer from impacted wisdom teeth then you may suffer from intense pressure on the surrounding teeth. 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.
Abscessed Tooth or Related Infections
Bacterial infections may lead to pockets filled with pus. While this can be painful there is also the threat of serious life-threatening infections occurring.
Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
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 you have advanced gum disease that can no longer be managed or reversed then your dentist may need to turn to oral surgery or root canals for treatment.
What are some other possible causes of tooth pain?
You may be someone that experiences sensitivity occasionally when you are eating or drinking hot or cold foods or beverages. In these cases, you shouldn't need to be too concerned although you should monitor the condition.
When you have tooth sensitivity, you should try to use toothpaste specialized for this concern and avoid any foods or drinks that are at extreme temperatures.
Although this may be caused by gum recession as well, if you notice that this sensitivity doesn't go away then you should still schedule a visit with 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. Generally, dental pain won't stop until the root cause has been diagnosed and treated appropriately.
What can I do to relieve my tooth pain?
If you have dental pain the first step is to have it assessed by a dental professional as it is not likely to cure itself.
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.