Experiencing toothache pain can be unpleasant and worrisome. Understanding the potential causes of your discomfort can help you determine how to best address it. In this post, we will discuss common causes of toothache pain and how to treat it.
What Is a Toothache?
A toothache is an issue that can cause pain in the tooth or around the tooth. This tooth pain can be caused by various factors, including an infected tooth, a broken tooth, impacted wisdom teeth, problems with the upper teeth, and more. Depending on the cause of the toothache, it may range from mild discomfort to sharp pain. If you experience a toothache that starts suddenly and doesn’t go away, it’s best to consult with a dentist as soon as possible so they can determine the cause and offer solutions.
What Are The Common Causes of Toothache Pain?
Cavities and Tooth Decay
Cavities, also known as caries, form on the surface of teeth when bacteria in your mouth combine with food particles and saliva to produce an acid that erodes the enamel, which then allows deeper layers to become infected. Symptoms include pain when pressure is applied to the affected area, sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks, bad breath, and discolouration of the affected area.
Gum or Periodontal Disease
Gum disease or periodontitis is an infection caused by plaque build-up that results in gum tissue damage, which can cause toothache pain. Symptoms include painful chewing and brushing, receding gums, bad breath, bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, pus around the gum line and loose teeth. If left untreated, it can result in tooth loss due to bone destruction around the roots of teeth caused by bacterial toxins called endotoxins released by certain types of bacteria that attack the gum tissue causing inflammation.
Infection
Infections can occur in any part of your mouth—gums, teeth, tongue—and these infections can cause severe pain if left untreated. Infections are usually caused by oral bacteria that invade the gums or other parts of your mouth due to poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing regularly or flossing properly. Symptoms include swelling in your jaw area along with fever and chills, as well as extreme sensitivity to temperature changes in food or beverages.
Grinding Teeth (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding is another common cause of dental pain because it wears down enamel over time, leading to exposed nerves and causing sharp shooting pains throughout your mouth when you eat certain foods or drink certain beverages at extreme temperatures. Symptoms include headaches upon waking up as well as facial tension during sleep due to grinding while unconscious. Additionally, you may notice a clicking sound coming from one side while grinding on another side during sleep as well as hypersensitive teeth when chewing on certain foods like crunchy apples or other fruits/vegetables with firm textures.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth occurs when a bacterial infection enters deep into a tooth’s root creating a pocket filled with pus near its base where there isn’t enough blood supply for proper healing leading to severe discomfort and throbbing pain if left untreated for too long. It’s important that you seek medical attention immediately if this is suspected, as antibiotics will need to be prescribed before starting any type of dental treatment plan for this condition so that further complications don’t arise, such as bone loss in surrounding areas due to the spread of infection elsewhere within body systems because abscesses contain virulent bacteria capable of destroying healthy cells nearby without proper attention given in a timely manner!
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Cracked tooth syndrome occurs when a crack forms on either side of one particular tooth, making chewing difficult because movement between two sides causes sharp shooting pains throughout the entire region while eating/drinking anything near the location where the crack formed; symptoms include increased sensitivity even after avoiding consumption near the area or avoiding temperature extremes altogether; additionally, crowns won’t necessarily fix the problem either since cracks may extend below the surface level requiring root canal procedure instead depending severity situation at hand!
Tooth Trauma
Tooth trauma is another common cause of dental discomfort, and it happens when physical force from external sources leads to the breaking off of parts and pieces within the structure itself, resulting in either partial loss or full extraction, depending on the amount of damage sustained. Symptoms vary widely depending on the extent of the injury, but the most commonly experienced ones involve the sudden onset of intense throbbing sensation radiating outwards from a specific spot accompanied by an inability to bite down hard without feeling sharp stabbing pains emanating from the same region immediately afterwards.
How To Treat a Toothache?
Salt Water Rinse
One of the most popular treatments for toothache is a saltwater rinse. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water and swish it around your mouth for some time before spitting it out. This will help reduce inflammation and loosen any food particles that may have become lodged in the affected area.
Ice Pack or Cold Compress
Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek (near the affected area) can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Wrap the ice pack in a paper towel or cloth so it doesn’t come into direct contact with your skin, as this could cause further damage or irritation.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Mix together equal parts hydrogen peroxide (3%), and lukewarm water, then use this mixture as an oral rinse by swishing it around your mouth for 30 seconds twice daily until symptoms subside.
Root Canal Treatment
During a root canal, the dentist will remove the damaged parts of the affected tooth and then fill it with a rubber-like material called gutta percha to seal off and protect the treated area. Afterwards, the dentist may place a crown over the treated area to further protect it.
Tooth Extraction
If decay or damage has progressed too far in an affected tooth, extraction may be necessary. This is typically done when other treatments are not possible or have failed in the past. After extraction, you may need to get dentures or implants to restore your smile and make eating easier if needed.
Filling
A filling is used to repair minor cracks or cavities in teeth caused by age or wear and tear from chewing food or grinding teeth at night. During this procedure, your dentist will use a special material (usually composite resin) to fill in any missing parts of your tooth before sealing it with cement.
Crowns
A crown is often used for more serious cases of damage or decay that cannot be repaired with other treatments like fillings or root canals alone. Crowns are made from porcelain, metal alloys, gold, ceramic, zirconia, and other materials that cover up any missing parts of your teeth while also providing strength and stability.
Pain Medication
Your dentist may also recommend taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, in order to lessen any discomfort associated with a toothache until you are able to receive more permanent treatment. Additionally, applying ice packs periodically throughout the day can also help reduce inflammation associated with your symptoms.
How to Avoid a Toothache?
Here is how you can keep your teeth healthy and avoid the pain of a toothache.
Brush Regularly
Most people know that they should brush their teeth at least twice daily, but it’s also important to pay attention to how you brush. Brushing too hard or using abrasive toothpaste can damage your enamel, which is the protective layer on your teeth. Use gentle circular motions, fluoride toothpaste, and a soft-bristled brush when brushing your teeth, and be sure to get every surface of each tooth.
Floss Daily
Flossing is often overlooked because it’s time-consuming and difficult for some people. It’s important not to skip this step, as flossing helps eliminate plaque from between your teeth that cannot be reached by brushing alone. Flossing also stimulates the gums and helps promote better overall dental health.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting the dentist consistently is key for preventing cavities and other oral issues that could lead to toothache down the road. Most dentists recommend visiting at least twice per year, but if you have existing issues, such as gum disease or cavities, you may need more frequent visits. Always consult with your dentist before making any changes to your dental care routine, and follow their advice accordingly.
Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods
Eating nutrient-rich foods like crunchy fruits and vegetables can help strengthen your enamel and fight off decay that leads to cavities which can cause toothaches. Dairy products like milk, yoghurt, cheese, and kefir are also great for strengthening teeth and bones because they contain calcium, which is essential for healthy teeth development. Avoid eating sugary snacks or drinking sugary drinks as much as possible – these can contribute to decay and an increased risk of cavities leading to toothaches in the long run!
Avoid Bad Habits
Bad habits like chewing on hard objects or grinding your teeth can put additional strain on your enamel which increases the risk of developing a cavity or other dental problems leading to a potential toothache down the line. If you find yourself clenching your jaw during moments of stress or anxiety, try one of these techniques instead – chew sugar-free gum, practise deep breathing exercises, write in a journal, talk with friends and family members about what’s causing you stress – whatever works best for you!
Treat Your Toothache At Woonona Dentists
Have you been suffering from a toothache? No matter if it’s sharp, throbbing or dull, it can be uncomfortable and affect your everyday life. Woonona Dentists are here to help – with advanced treatments and a comforting atmosphere, we’ll make sure you’re back on track in no time. Our commitment to personalised care means all our attention will be focused on you and your needs, providing the highest standard of dental care possible. So don’t wait any longer – call us at (02) 4208 0638 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
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