Your Weyburn Invisalign® Provider
Any type of dental pain should be looked at right away as it could indicate a larger more serious concern. Here, our Weyburn dentists share some of the likely causes of dental pain and what you can do to relieve a hurting tooth.
Tooth & Gum Pain: How is it caused?
Regardless of the intensity of the toothache, always. seek a dentist's diagnosis to identify the root cause. While maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine can generally prevent toothaches and pain, other factors can contribute to tooth or gum pain, including the following:
Decaying Teeth or Cavities
While cavities typically develop over time, the onset of pain can be sudden. By visiting the dentist as soon as possible for an examination and treatment you can help prevent yourself from experiencing any other more serious complications.
Sports Injuries or Teeth Grinding
Whether you grind your teeth in your sleep and gradually wear them down, or you sustain an injury in some more immediate way, for instance, while playing sports, 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 grind your teeth, whether when awake or asleep, then you put yourself at an increased risk of tooth pain and sensitivity.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Causing Infections
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant discomfort as they exert pressure on neighbouring teeth or become infected. Additionally, they can contribute to additional problems such as tooth damage and crowding when there is insufficient space for them to emerge correctly.
Abscessed Tooth
Bacterial infections may lead to pockets filled with pus. This can cause severe pain as well as having the potential to cause other, more serious concerns.
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can vary in severity from early stage (gingivitis) to moderate and severe stages. In the early stages, your dentist may recommend a treatment called scaling and root planing, which involves removing plaque buildup from the gum line.
In more advanced cases of severe gum disease, more urgent interventions such as root canal treatment, antibiotics, and/or surgery may be necessary.
The Leading Causes of Gum or Tooth Pain
While tooth sensitivity can indicate a dental concern, it can also be quite common and less of a concern if it is mild and occurs infrequently.
Our dentists recommend using toothpaste specifically designed for tooth sensitivity if you experience this. 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.
Sometimes, the source of your tooth pain may not be directly related to your mouth. Conditions such as viral or sinus infections, vitamin deficiencies, headaches, or colds can produce symptoms that mimic a toothache. It's important to consider these possibilities when experiencing tooth pain.
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.
Can You Do Anything to Relieve Dental Pain?
A proper diagnosis and treatment plan is the only option when you are suffering from dental pain. This will need to be treated before you develop any further issues.
While waiting for your dental appointment, there are a few home remedies you can consider to alleviate tooth pain. Applying an ice pack or taking over-the-counter pain medication can help reduce pain and inflammation. Additionally, rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution may provide some soothing relief from tooth pain.