Many adults find it difficult to decide whether they want to visit the dentist.
It is important to determine the cause of your discomfort and tooth pain before you can make a decision. While some issues can be solved by altering your daily routine, others cannot. This decision is not difficult. However, you can avoid unnecessary pain by following some guidance.
Tooth pain: What causes it?
There are two types of tooth pain: pain that is caused by dental problems and non-dental issues. If the pain lasts more than two days, it’s a good idea for either group to see a dentist.
Dental reasons
Gum disease – periodontal disease or gum disease can cause gums to become red, painful and swollen.
Tooth decay is when bacteria takes root in a tooth and causes it to decay. There are many stages of decay, with the most common being a cavity. Cavities can be painful, if they don’t progress too much. It can become very painful if the pulp of the tooth is infected by the decay.
Teeth that are damaged – Teeth can be damaged in many ways. It can be painful if your tooth is cracked, chipped, broken, or damaged. If left untreated, chipped teeth can cause severe damage to the cheeks or tongue.
Malocclusion – Malocclusion refers to an unbalanced bite. Malocclusion can lead to soreness in the jaw and teeth.
Causes other than dental
Muscle pain is when the muscles around your jaw or cranium become overused. It is not always easy to identify this pain and it can sometimes be referred to as toothache or tooth pain.
Sinus infections are caused by two sinuses located near the back. These can become infected and fill with fluid, putting pressure on the back. This can cause pain and discomfort. A decongestant may be used to relieve the pain and pressure.
Cluster headaches – cluster headaches can be associated with tooth pain. However, it’s not known if this is the case.
Vitamin deficiency: Tooth pain has been linked to a lack of vitamin B12.
Trigeminal neuralgia, a nerve condition that can cause persistent and sharp pain in the mouth, is one example of neurologic abnormalities.
Tooth pain symptoms
A sign that something is wrong with your mouth is pain. Different dental issues and conditions can cause pain in different ways. The issue can cause pain that is sharp, dull, throbbing or aching. No matter what type of pain you are experiencing, it is important that you notify your dentist to resolve the problem.
Common causes of toothache
Hot or cold food sensitivities – If your teeth feel sensitive to hot or chilled food, it’s likely that you don’t have a serious problem. You may have a more serious problem in the pulp of your tooth if the pain persists for more than 30 seconds.
A sharp pain when you bite down or chew – This could be a sign that your tooth is cracked or that there is a deeper issue. This type of pain can also be caused by loose fillings.
If the gums become reddish and tender, it may be an indication of an abscessed teeth. The infection has spread beyond the tooth to the soft tissues.
This is often caused by grinding or clenching of the teeth, also known as bruxism. Grinding can also cause soreness in the jaw and tooth soreness.
Teeth pain treatment
Your dentist will likely do several things depending on the root cause of your tooth pain. A simple filling is sufficient if the problem is minor like a cavity. If the problem is more severe and affects the pulp of the teeth, then a root canal may be necessary to relieve the pain.
If you have gum disease or periodontitis, you can start a routine of flossing, brushing and regular dental examinations. To give your gums a fresh start, a dentist will likely perform a scaling and planning (deep cleaning) of your teeth.
Your dentist will first attempt to repair or seal broken, chipped, cracked, or damaged teeth. If the damage is severe and cannot be repaired, the tooth may need to be extracted. You can replace it with a fake or denture.
Tooth pain relief
There are many ways to relieve minor pain at home. You should always consult a dentist if you feel the pain is getting too severe or persistent. Temporary relief can be achieved by applying a cold compress to your cheeks and rub clove oil on the gums and teeth. You may also rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
When should you see your dentist?
If your pain persists or does not disappear within a few days, it is important that you see your dentist. A persistent, dull pain can be an indication of something more serious. You should consult a dentist immediately if you notice that your tooth has been chipped, cracked or broken. Cracks and chips can harbor bacteria and food that can lead to decay.
Other issues related to your smile can be addressed at your six-monthly appointment. Your dentist should be notified if you feel any discomfort or pain.
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