Understanding Tooth Pain: 6 Common Causes and When to See a Dentist

Published on 02/11/2024 by admin

Filed under Anesthesiology

Last modified 02/11/2024

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Tooth pain can be distracting, which can be discomforting and also an indicator of more complex issues where your oral health is concerned. So what brings it about? The aim of this guide is to deal with six issues that are known to cause pain. So that you can understand when you should go for dental sedation near me

6 Common Causes and When to See a Dentist

1. Tooth Decay

Tooth pain can often be caused by many reasons, with the most common being tooth decay. When bacteria in your mouth create acids which erode the enamel layer of your teeth, cavities start to form. The decay goes deep onto the tooth’s inner layer which contains nerves and therefore causes sensitivity or sharp pain during eating and drinking.

Things That Are Alerting: Sensitivity to sweet items, hot or cold items, holes in teeth.

Things That Require Attention: Last but not the least, the above two will lead to sensitivity or pain, and these conditions must be treated immediately especially when your last visit to a dentist was a long time ago.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease or gum infection is referred to as periodontal disease and is characterized by an invasion of the gums which can cause pain, swelling, bleeding among other symptoms. It first presents itself as Gingivitis and if no attention is given to it, it can escalate towards a more advanced stage of gum disease known as periodontitis which features bone loss that supports the teeth.

Symptoms to look for include: Swollen, painful gums which may even be bleeding, bad breath, and discomfort while chewing.

When to consult a dentist: There is a possibility of your teeth being lost as a result of gum disease if it doesn’t get treatment at the earliest. If any of these signs or symptoms are being observed, it becomes imperative to seek the services of a dentist for cleaning as well as to work out your treatment schedule.

3. Tooth Abscess

An abscessed tooth is a serious form of infection found in the root or between tooth and gum. It is mainly caused by tooth decay, diseases of the gum, and injury. Such places develop a pocket of pus which results in great burning pain that affects the jaw, neck or ear.

There are symptoms that include visible signs such as an increase in painful throbbing sensations, a fever, enlarged lymph glands, and fetor.

When to visit a dental expert: Tooth abscess is very serious and oral emergency that one should never overlook. Act without hesitation to prevent further complications – Infection, once established, has a tendency to spread.

4. Tooth Fracture or Cracks

Cracks or fractures of teeth can develop because of a strong bite force, or due to trauma. When a cracked tooth is bitten down on or when it is subjected to any low or high temperature it tends to hurt. The extent of pain depends on how deep the crack is.

What to look out for: Pain while biting or chewing, pain on sticking the tooth & the tooth having sharp or pointed angles.

When you should see the dentist: A tooth fractured in the mouth has to be seen immediately to avoid further damage in the future. Depending on the extent and severity, a filling, crown or root treatment may be advised by the dentist.

When to See a Dentist Immediately?

Although some pain in teeth can be resolved with home remedies for a limited duration, there are some that require a visit to the doctor straight away:

  • Pain that is persistent and remains after treatment
  • Any visible lumps in your face or inflamed gums
  • Raising body temperature or abnormal weakness
  • Physical discomfort while chewing when closed

There are six leading indicators that require you to visit a dentist. Pain in the tooth, in most cases, should be treated with surgical procedures and antibiotics as soon as possible so that the problem does worsen.