Top 6 Common Causes And Solutions For Tooth Pain

Most people experience mild to severe toothache at some point in their life. In most cases, tooth pain indicates something wrong with your tooth or the nearby structures like the gums and bone. Seeking prompt dental care can help alleviate your pain and address the underlying cause. In this article, let’s discuss some of the most causes of tooth pain and what to do for relief.

Common Causes and Solutions for Tooth Pain

• 1.  Tooth decay or cavities

Cavities or dental caries are some of the common causes of tooth pain. They often develop due to acidic attacks from harmful oral bacteria. These acids erode the tooth’s enamel and cause permanent damage to parts of the tooth. This exposes the sensitive underlying tooth’s tissues like the dentin and pulp (which hosts the tooth’s blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves).

Initially, cavities only cause mild sensitivity to extreme temperate like heat or cold. However, as they deepen, you can experience persistent and severe tooth pain. If not treated promptly, cavities or decay can eventually lead to tooth loss.

As you wait for dental care, you can take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen to minimize pain. Saltwater rinses and applying ice therapy to the cheek can also help minimize tooth pain. Even if the pain settles, ensure you see your dentist urgently to prevent further damage to the tooth.

• 2. Advanced gum disease

More than 50% of American adults above 35 years have a type of gum disease known as periodontal disease. Initially, gum disease is called gingivitis and causes mild to average symptoms like gum soreness, sensitivity, redness, or bleeding, particularly when brushing and flossing. If not treated promptly, gingivitis can advance to a more severe gum disease called periodontitis.

Periodontitis can cause moderate to severe symptoms like tooth pain, gum recession, bone loss, loose and shifting teeth, and even tooth loss. Prompt gum disease is essential to alleviate discomfort, restore gum health, and prevent further complications.

In the meantime, take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen to minimize the pain. Saltwater rinses can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.

• 3. Teeth grinding

Some people grind or clench their teeth, especially during sleep. Unfortunately, regular or chronic teeth grinding can put too much pressure on your teeth and jaw, causing pain that radiates to the teeth, jaw, face, ears, or head. Teeth grinding can also cause tooth damage like chips, cracks, and breaks.

You can take pain medications like ibuprofen or apply ice or heat therapy to the painful area to minimize pain. Some tips for managing bruxism include managing stress, doing jaw exercises, and avoiding trigger factors like drugs and alcohol abuse. If your bruxism persists, consult your dentist for a custom mouthguard.

• 4. Dental trauma or injuries

Dental injuries like chips, cracks, breaks, or knock-out can cause significant tooth pain and oral discomfort. If this happens, visit our dentist near you right away. Urgent dental care is essential to fix or reinstall the tooth to prevent tooth loss.

Common remedies for tooth pain from injuries include pain medications like ibuprofen, salt water rinses, and cold therapy. If the tooth has fallen off, try to reinstall it back to the socket and bite gently. If it isn’t possible, preserve it in saliva or a glass of milk. You can also preserve the pieces if the tooth is broken.

• 5. Erupting or impacted wisdom tooth

When erupting, wisdom teeth can cause pressure, pain, and swelling at the back of the mouth. Fortunately, this discomfort only lasts a few days and can be managed with pain relievers like ibuprofen, salt water rinses, cold therapies, and other home remedies.

However, if the wisdom tooth doesn’t have enough room to erupt or develop normally, it can grow at the wrong angle, causing pain in the nearby teeth, gums, and bone. Such a tooth is said to be impacted. Tooth extraction is necessary to alleviate the pain and prevent further complications like infections and misalignments.

Since you can’t know whether or not your tooth is impacted, visit our best dentist nearby, Barnstable, Massachusetts, for professional diagnosis and dental care.

• 6. Bite problems

Teeth or jaw misalignments and overcrowding cause mild to significant oral discomfort, especially when biting down or chewing. Professional treatments like braces, Invisalign, jaw surgery, and tooth extraction may be necessary to alleviate the discomfort and prevent other symptoms. In the meantime, you can use pain relievers like ibuprofen to minimize the discomfort.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Dentist in Hyannis, MA

Are you or your child experiencing tooth pain? Contact or book a dentist appointment at Hyannis Dental Associates for prompt pain relief and dental care.