Have you ever experienced sudden, unexplained tooth pain?
Dental issues can happen unexpectedly, causing discomfort and disrupting your day.
Understanding when to seek help from a dental professional is key to maintaining good oral health and addressing any problems before they become worse.
Let’s take a look at some common reasons why your teeth may be hurting and how these issues are treated:
Dental Decay
Dental decay, also known as cavities, is caused by bacteria and acids in the mouth. This leads to erosion of the tooth enamel, which causes small holes or cavities in the teeth.
The pain associated with dental decay can range from mild sensitivity to sharp, persistent toothaches. It can be particularly painful when you consume hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks.
Cavities are usually caused by poor oral hygiene, consuming too many sugar foods and drinks, and infrequent dental check-ups.
Treatment for dental decay involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the cavity with a dental filling.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth. It’s an inflammatory condition that can cause swollen and tender gums. It can also cause bleeding while brushing or flossing and persistent bad breath.
Gum disease is caused by the buildup of tartar or plaque on the teeth. This is what causes the inflammation and infection of the gums.
Treatment for gum disease typically involves professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar building. It also involves proper oral hygiene practices at home, including brushing and flossing regularly.
Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth occurs when there is a fracture or split in the tooth structure, which can range from minor hairline cracks to more severe fractures that extend to the root of the tooth.
A crack in your tooth can cause sharp pain when chewing or biting, sensitivity to hot or cold, and discomfort when releasing biting pressure.
Cracked or broken teeth can be caused by trauma, biting on hard objects, grinding or clenching the teeth (bruxism), or weakening of the tooth structure due to dental decay.
Treatment for a cracked tooth depends on the severity of the fracture and may involve dental bonding, a dental crown, or a root canal to restore the tooth’s strength and function.
Bruxism
Bruxism is the medical term that describes grinding, clenching, or gnashing of the teeth, often involuntary and particularly during sleep. It can eventually lead to various dental problems and discomfort.
If you grind or clench your teeth, you may experience pain such as headaches, jaw stiffness, and tooth sensitivity. Bruxism can also lead to worn-down teeth.
Bruxism can be caused by anxiety, stress, misaligned teeth, or sleep disorders. It can also be an unconscious habit.
Treatment for bruxism can include stress management, wearing a custom-made nightguard, and addressing any underlying dental or sleep-related issues.
Sensitive Teeth
tooth pain (1)
Sensitive teeth refers to the discomfort or pain experienced when teeth are exposed to certain things like hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic foods, or brushing and flossing.
This pain can feel sharp and sudden or dull and throbbing. The causes of sensitive teeth range from enamel erosion, receding gums exposing the tooth roots, tooth decay, and toothbrush abrasion.
Treatment for sensitive teeth may include using a desensitizing toothpaste, applying fluoride treatments, using dental bonding or sealants, or addressing underlying dental issues.
Root Canal Problems
Root canal problems occur when the pulp becomes inflamed. The pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.
This can lead to severe toothache, sensitivity to hold or cold, swelling gums, or a bump on the gums near the affected tooth.
Root canal problems can result from untreated dental decay, trauma to the tooth, deep dental fillings, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth.
Root canal therapy is a treatment that is used to treat root canal problems. It involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canal, and sealing it to prevent further infection.
Sinus Infection
Sinusitis is an infection where the sinuses become inflamed or infected due to a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Sinus infections can also be caused by allergies or structural issues in the sinuses that prevent proper drainage.
This can lead to pain, such as facial pressure, headache, and even toothache. Other symptoms include nasal congestion and thick nasal discharge.
Treatment for a sinus infection may include antibiotics for bacterial infections and over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants to help with symptoms. You can also try nasal irrigation, steam inhalation, and rest to reduce the discomfort of a sinus infection.
Orthodontic Discomfort
If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, such as wearing braces or aligners, you may experience pain as your teeth gradually move into their proper positions.
This pain can feel like soreness or tenderness of the teeth and gums, particularly after adjustments to braces or aligners.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to help with discomfort. You can also use orthodontic wax to help with irritation caused by braces or wires. Make sure you follow any special instructions from your orthodontist.
When to Seek Help From a Professional
When you are experiencing tooth pain of any kind, putting off treatment can make the problem worse. This can lead to more damage and more pain.
It can also increase the risk of infection, which can spread to other parts of your body and lead to serious health complications.
That’s why it’s important to seek help from a professional:
When to Book an Appointment
You should book an appointment with your dentist if you are experiencing any persistent dental pain, sensitivity, or changes in your oral health, such as swollen gums or loose teeth.
Regular dental check-ups are also essential for preventative care and early detection of dental problems.
When to See an Emergency Dentist
You should go see an emergency dentist if you are experiencing severe or sudden dental pain, swelling, bleeding, or trauma to your teeth or mouth.
Common dental emergencies included knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, broken teeth, and abscesses.
Immediate treatment from an emergency dentist can help alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and save damaged teeth.
When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing symptoms such as severe facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or signs of infection spreading beyond your mouth, you should see a doctor.
These can indicate a more serious health problem requiring medical attention. In these cases, you need to seek immediate evaluation and treatment from a doctor or emergency room.
Also, if your dental issues are related to underlying medical conditions such as sinus infections or jaw disorders, your doctor can provide appropriate treatment or referrals to specialists.
Taking Action for Your Dental Health
Recognizing the signs of dental problems and knowing when to seek professional help is vital for maintaining a healthy smile.
At Oxford Dental, our experienced team is here to provide comprehensive care and address your dental needs right away.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your smile bright and healthy!