Toothaches affect people of all ages and can range from mild discomfort to severe, sharp tooth pain. Determining the cause of tooth pain can be difficult. Finding the right solution can be even more challenging. Explore common causes of tooth pain and tips to relieve toothache discomfort or sensitivity.
1. Damaged Teeth or Cavities
A broken or cracked tooth is one of the most common causes of tooth pain. If you’ve had an accident that caused damage to your teeth, prompt action is critical. Call your dentist immediately to discuss the dental issue and schedule an appointment to prevent further harm. A quick response can prevent complications and ensure a faster recovery.
Cavities are also a common cause of tooth pain. They can lead to more serious issues if left untreated. If you’re experiencing a toothache, make sure to schedule a dental appointment to check for cavities and other signs of tooth decay. A dentist will examine your mouth to determine if root canals, fillings, or dental crowns can save teeth affected by cavities.
When the enamel on damaged teeth breaks down, temperature sensitivities to hot and cold food and drinks may be experienced. This can be a sign of weakened enamel that’s leaving teeth vulnerable to decay. Action steps can be taken to save natural teeth. Alter an acidic or sugary diet to prevent enamel damage or repair a loose filling.
Contact your dentist to discuss pain relief tips and a plan for daily oral health care improvements. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are recommended every six months to prevent toothaches caused by dental decay. For daily oral hygiene, use an American Dental Association (ADA) recommended dental cleaning product formulated for sensitive teeth.
2. Tooth Pain Caused by Infection or Abscess
Another potential cause of tooth pain is an infected tooth or abscess in the soft tissues surrounding teeth. Bacteria can enter a dental cavity affected by a crack in tooth enamel or gum disease. This can lead to an abscess, a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection.
If you’re seeing signs of redness and swelling in your gums, there may be an underlying issue. Gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth pain and can cause sensitivity, discomfort, and even bleeding. Seek dental treatment as soon as possible to help prevent swelling, tenderness, and extreme sensitivity in affected teeth.
There are simple oral hygiene steps you can take to improve the health of gum tissue:
- Brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and finish with a refreshing mouthwash swish.
- Choosing the right toothbrush is important. Soft bristles are best for brushing, as medium or hard bristles can erode gums.
- Daily flossing is the most important step of the process. Food and debris find their way into gums between the teeth, causing irritation and creating a base for bacteria to grow. Flossing not only cleans between teeth — it also keeps gums tissue healthy and clean.
- Regular dental check-ups and cleanings do more than just maintain healthy teeth and prevent gum disease. Routine dental care also contributes to better overall wellness.
3. Growing or Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are molars that commonly appear in early adulthood. Soreness and discomfort may be experienced as they grow and emerge. In some cases, wisdom teeth may get impacted.
Impacted wisdom teeth are either partially or entirely stuck in the gums or jawbone as they grow. This condition poses oral health risks including tooth decay, gum disease, and infection. A dentist may recommend surgical removal of the impacted wisdom teeth as a corrective solution.
When there isn’t enough space for wisdom teeth to emerge, it’s usually necessary to have them removed. Early removal is often key to avoiding the potential complications that come along with impacted teeth. Sedation dentistry is available for wisdom teeth extraction. Before providing any sedative, our doctors will review your personal medical and dental history, and select the option best for you.
Dental Care for Tooth Pain
The best way to prevent dental abscesses, tooth decay, and infection is by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and floss twice daily to help prevent cavities and reduce plaque buildup. It’s also important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings to catch dental problems early on.
Never ignore a toothache. Contact your dentist to schedule an oral health evaluation and to discuss pain relief tips and daily oral health care improvements. Treatment options will be determined based on the severity of tooth pain and dental damage.
Taking proper care of your teeth and gums will help ensure that any pain or discomfort is kept under control. Contact Three Rivers Dental Group at 1-855-NO FEARS or request an appointment online to find treatment for tooth pain. We are conveniently located throughout the Pittsburgh area in Cranberry, Greentree, and Greensburg.