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What are some of the potential causes of tooth and gum pain?
Whether the toothache pain you are experiencing is minor or severe, you should always have a dentist diagnose its underlying cause as soon as possible. In many cases, a rigorous daily oral hygiene routine will prevent toothaches or discomfort from occurring, however, there are many factors that can lead to tooth or gum pain, including the following:
Advanced Decay or Cavities
While the cavities that are experienced can take a long time to develop, the pain associated usually appears quiet suddenly. Tooth decay should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible to help prevent an infection from taking hold.
Teeth Grinding or Trauma
Accidents resulting in facial injuries can cause damage to your teeth. If this happens you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist may recommend treating it with a filling, crown or bonding.
Grinding your teeth while sleeping can also lead to tooth sensitivity issues. Ask your dentist for tips on how to break this harmful habit.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth become impacted, they often become quite painful due to the pressure they inflict on the surrounding teeth or infection. 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.
Infected / Abscessed Tooth
If you suffer from a bacterial infection then you may notice a pus-filled pocket within your mouth usually along your gums. This not only creates painful sensitivity, but can also develop into a more serious, or even life-threatening, condition.
Gum Disease / Periodontal Disease
Gum disease (periodontal disease) can range from gingivitis in the early stages 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.
For a more urgent case that’s progressed to severe gum disease, you may need a root canal, antibiotics, and/or surgery in order to relieve pain and restore your oral health.
What are some other causes of tooth or gum pain?
We may think that sensitive teeth are a serious dental issue as they can be quite painful but sensitivity is often a short-term and infrequent concern,
You may be able to help relieve this sensation by using toothpaste that is created to minimize the effects of tooth sensitivity. It may also be wise to avoid consuming very hot or cold food and drinks until the sensitivity has subsided.
If you experience sensitivity that lasts for more than a couple of days, this may indicate a 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.
How can you help to relieve the tooth or gum pain you are experiencing?
The best way to relieve dental pain is to treat the underlying cause of the pain. Contact your dentist to have an examination which can help lead to a diagnosis.
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.