Dental pain can be one of the worst types of pain when it comes to continuing on with normal life. We use our mouth so much to eat, drink and talk that the pain can be repeatedly agitated and our routines massively interrupted. Toothache can also stop us from sleeping at night and focusing on what need to get done throughout the day.
The good news is that a visit to the dentist can normally diagnose the pain and help you get on the road to recovery. There are several different causes for toothache, which each come with their own symptoms and ways to fix the problem. Here are five of the most common causes.
Gingivitis is the name for the earliest stages of gum disease. It is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth that contains bacteria. Left undisturbed, the bacteria cause the guns to swell and redden, causing pain and sometimes bleeding due to becoming infected. It can, however, be easily treated with improved oral hygiene that ensures plaque is removed and teeth and gums are kept as clean as possible. If this treatment does not happen, gum disease can worsen, moving on to a condition called periodontitis. This manifests in even more serious bleeding, pain and swelling. Periodontitis cannot be cured, but it can be managed by a specialist dentist who can help you take care of your teeth and gums. Severe cases can lead to tooth loss, which may require dental implants.
Cavities are holes in the teeth that are also caused by the presence of bacteria in a build-up of plaque. They are exacerbated by consuming lots of sugary foods and drinks. At first, cavities will not cause pain, but once the hole gets deep enough to expose the nerve, or the layers of tooth closest to the nerve, the person will experience varying amounts of pain. This can be worse when the area is touched, making eating and brushing teeth very difficult. Treatments range from simple fillings to more serious root canal therapy and even tooth extraction. It is vital to see a dentist as soon as you start to feel dental pain so that any cavities can be repaired sooner rather than later. Regular check-ups will also help your dentist spot the signs of a cavity developing before you even start to feel pain.
Dental abscesses happen when pus builds up in a tooth or surrounding gum following an infection. They can become incredibly painful, so treatment should be sought as soon as one is suspected. Abscesses will not resolve on their own. Symptoms are similar to gum disease, for example swelling, pain and redness; however, sufferers also experience additional problems, such as swelling and redness on the outside of the face or jaw, a bad taste in the mouth, difficulty opening the mouth and chewing and a high temperature. A dentist will need to drain the pus away, but if the toothache is unbearable in the run-up to your appointment, you can take painkillers, eat soft food and hold a warm compress against the painful area.
Cracks can happen very easily in teeth, whether you are playing contact sport, bite down on something hard or fall over onto your face or jaw. It can happen more easily as we age and our teeth lose some of their density and strength. Cracked teeth can come with pain, sensitivity while eating and swelling. They can be limited to the crown, or visible area of the tooth, or extend down into its root. Treatment will depend in the severity and position of the crack and your dentist will be able to advise further after taking x-rays of the affected area. Different types of crack include vertical cracks and root fractures, splits that break the tooth fully in half, craze lines that are fairly minor and fractured cusps forming around a dental filling.
Finally, habits such as teeth grinding or clenching can lead to toothache, jaw pains, earaches and headaches when done too much. It can cause loose teeth and make it uncomfortable to open and close your mouth. The repetitive action also causes long-term damage to teeth as it wears down the outer layers. Bruxism can happen during the day or at night and is often linked to stress or a heightened emotional state. There are no dedicated medications that can help, but stress management techniques can help, as can physiotherapy, meditation and wearing a mouth guard designed to protect the affected area.
