Teeth pain causes anxiety and maybe even frustration if you cannot relieve it. As it is unlikely to go away of its own accord, you should arrange to see an emergency dentist, although over-the-counter pain relief should alleviate it until your appointment. Here is a look at some common causes of tooth pain and how to treat it.
Teeth Pain Causes
There are many reasons why you may be experiencing tooth pain, from injury to oral disease (such as tooth decay) and even referred pain from elsewhere. Most are not typically serious and are easily treated by a dentist. However, if the pain is extreme or you have a severe mouth or tooth injury, you should treat it as a dental emergency and speak to an emergency dentist as soon as you can.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is arguably one of the most typical causes of tooth pain and is caused by bacteria that form in the mouth because of poor oral hygiene. The bacteria produce acid that erodes the outer layer of the tooth. If untreated, the damage to the tooth can reach the soft pulp tissue in the centre of the tooth, causing sensitivity and pain.
A dentist quickly remedies tooth decay. The decay is removed, and the cavity is filled, preserving tooth function and aesthetics. If the decay has reached the dental pulp, a root canal removes the infected tissue and seals the tooth against infection.
Tooth abscess
Abscesses can cause teeth pain. Causes may include tooth decay or gum disease. The pain can be throbbing or sharp, accompanied by a pus-filled swelling on the gum. A tooth abscess can lead to a dental emergency if not treated, as the infection can spread to other areas of the body. So, it is best to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment may include draining the swelling and a course of antibiotics. The dentist will need to identify the cause of the abscess. If it is caused by tooth decay that has reached the pulp chamber, you may need a root canal. If the culprit is gum disease, treatments will include deep cleaning, scaling and root planing.
Tooth eruption
In adulthood, tooth pain may be attributed to the eruption of wisdom teeth. They may not have enough room to come through or grow in the wrong direction.
You should visit a dentist to see if your tooth is impacted and likely to cause further trouble. If so, surgical extraction may be required to remove it.
Tooth injury
Mouth trauma can result in teeth pain. Causes include accidents or injuries that lead to tooth fractures or more extensive damage. Tooth fractures can develop over time, and symptoms like throbbing pain may come and go.
Treatments may vary depending on the extent of the damage and how severe your toothache is. They can include fillings, dental bonding or crowns. If your tooth is noticeably damaged, i.e. if a large part of the tooth is broken away or there is a large, deep crack extending to the tooth root, you may need to seek the advice of an emergency dentist.
The primary objective of a dental emergency is to alleviate tooth pain and make you feel comfortable. It may consist of a temporary repair by the emergency dentist until further treatment can be carried out at a more suitable time.
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Bruxism can lead to a range of symptoms that, if untreated, may contribute to tooth decay, loose fillings and tooth fractures. Treatment may include wearing a nightguard to protect your teeth from friction.
The Takeaway
Don’t delay if you are experiencing teeth pain. Causes can easily be identified by a dentist, who can put you on the right course of treatment. Contact us on (02) 9809 7000 today.
References
Colgate: Tooth decay
https://www.colgate.com/en-gb/oral-health/cavities
Mayo Clinic: Bruxism (teeth grinding)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095#:~:text=Bruxism%20(BRUK%2Dsiz%2Dum,a%20sleep%2Drelated%20movement%20disorder