Tooth Pain Causes and Treatments
Tooth pain refers to aches, soreness or pain that comes from or around a tooth. It often leads to issues like dull or sharp pain and increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods. Toothaches can be caused by a number of things. A diagnosis performed by a dentist is needed to get to the bottom of the problem and treat it. Dentists typically do this by performing a dental exam, going over the patient’s medical history and conducting tests like X-rays.
Common tooth pain causes and their treatments
Here are some common causes of tooth pain and how the dentist goes about treating them.
1. Gum disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gums. It is the result of plaque making its way beneath a person’s gumline. The bacteria there irritate the soft tissues of the gums, prompting the immune system to dispatch antibodies to combat them. As a result, the gums become swollen and red.
When left unaddressed, the infection will begin to eat away at the bone structures that support teeth. The patient experiences tooth pain as this deterioration occurs as well as increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
Treatment
The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis and it can be combated by improving oral hygiene and getting teeth cleaned by a dentist. The patient’s condition can typically be reversed with this. Things are a bit more complicated with the more advanced stages of gum disease. Treatments like bone grafts, gum grafts and the use of dental restorations might be needed.
2. Tooth decay
Tooth decay refers to the erosion of teeth enamel. It is often characterized by the formation of cavities. These are tiny holes that develop on teeth surfaces as acids created by oral bacteria eat away at them. These acids slowly weaken the enamel, eventually breaking it down.
When left untreated, a cavity will continue to expand until the entire tooth is compromised. Cavities lead to toothaches and, eventually, an infection.
Treatment
How far a cavity has progressed determines how a dentist approaches it. A small cavity can be fixed by closing it up with a filling, while a bigger one might require a crown to protect the tooth. If the cavity has made its way to the pulp chamber (where the tooth’s nerve and soft tissues are enclosed), a root canal might be needed to stop the tooth pain and save a tooth.
3. Bruxism
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. People with this condition tend to grind their teeth during sleep. Most of them are not even aware they have this habit. However, teeth grinding leads to serious damage to teeth over time. It wears off the enamel as the person’s teeth are filed down over time. As a result, the patient experiences toothaches as multiple teeth become damaged due to their habit.
Treatment
Teeth grinding is a bit trickier to deal with than most dental issues, but oral appliances can be used to reduce the damage done. Bruxism is often linked to stress or emotional issues and these have to be addressed to stop the habit.
Get the treatment you need
Gum disease, tooth decay and bruxism are all common causes of toothache. Your dentist can help relieve your pain no matter what is causing it. Stop by your dentist’s office if you are dealing with tooth pain. Let the staff provide the necessary treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Being unhappy with your smile can impact how you view yourself and socialize. Cosmetic dentists understand this, so they are committed to providing patients with the smile of their dreams. They do this through smile makeovers. Smile makeovers are custom for each patient and encompass various services. Here are the five most common.Dental bonding is…
Dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist help patients achieve a more uniform smile. These wafer-thin shells fit over the fronts of the teeth, improving their appearance for years to come. If you have been considering veneers, here are some common signs that it is time to consult a cosmetic dentist.Perhaps the most well-known reason people…
A toothache is a common dental problem. Studies show that dental pain is a sign that there is a problem with the gums or a tooth. The discomfort can also be connected with an underlying condition. Seeing your dentist can determine what is causing the pain. Natural remedies can help improve the pain while you…
Your cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth to improve your dental health and appearance. This can even enhance your general health. Bonding material allows the dentist to provide you with a better dental shape. Here are the details on how a cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth with dental bonding.A chipped edge and dental staining…