Toothaches can be a painful experience. They can also be very inconvenient, especially if you’re in the middle of something important or out on an adventure.
While you can’t prevent toothaches from happening, you can avoid the need for dental care by knowing what causes them and how to treat them quickly.
What Causes Toothaches?
Toothache is a symptom, not a disease. In other words, toothaches are usually caused by something else going on in the mouth.
Toothaches signify that there is an infection in the mouth or nearby structures such as the gums and jawbone. Many bacteria live in our mouths without causing problems. But if these bacteria get into a cavity or any other opening in the tooth, they can start causing problems.
Here is the list of possible causes of toothache:
- Tooth Decay
- Gum Infection
- Dental Abscesses
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Damaged Fillings
- Impacted Tooth
- Wisdom Tooth
- Root Canal Infection
- Jaw Joint Pain
- Tooth Grinding
Types of Pain Caused by Toothache
The following are the different kinds of pain that can be caused by toothache:
1. Serious, Hammering Pain
When a toothache becomes distracting or intolerable, it’s time to see an emergency dentist. If you don’t need immediate treatment, the dentist will schedule an appointment for a later date and will send tips on how to manage the pain in the meantime.
The dentist will likely prescribe some painkillers. They may also tell you to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater or take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. If the pain doesn’t go away, call the dentist again and ask if they can see you sooner than planned.
2. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a problem caused by tooth decay and/or gum infection. Sensitivity often starts as a mild sensation and progresses to sharp, throbbing pain. Tooth sensitivity is usually worse after eating or drinking cold or hot foods and beverages, which makes it difficult to eat certain foods.
3. Dull Pain and Persistent Ache
Food particles and other debris trapped between teeth can cause this form of tooth pain. A foreign body in the mouth, gum infections, and abscessed teeth are all responsible for this type of pain.
4. Pain After You Eat
Tooth pain that occurs after you eat is usually the result of a food particle lodging in the space between your teeth. This may happen when you eat something that’s hard to chew, like popcorn or nuts. The particle can also work its way into your gums through plaque buildup.
5. Sharp Pain in the Tooth
If you have a sharp or jabbing pain in your mouth, you should know that visiting the dentist is usually the best way to alleviate this discomfort. A loose filling, a crown that has fallen off, or a fracture of the tooth’s enamel can cause this type of discomfort. The dentist can figure out what’s causing your pain and fix it for you quickly.
Conclusion
If you experience a toothache, getting treatment as soon as possible is important. The longer the pain lasts, the more damage could be done to your teeth and mouth. It’s also important to understand that toothaches can be a sign of more serious problems. Contact your dentist immediately if you have a toothache and are worried about your oral health.
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