What causes tooth pain & gum pain?
Whether the toothache pain is minor or severe, you should always have a dentist diagnose its underlying cause as soon as possible. In most cases, a rigorous oral hygiene routine will prevent toothaches or discomfort. However, many potential factors can cause tooth or gum pain, including the following
Cavity/Tooth Decay
While cavities typically develop over time, the pain associated with them can arise suddenly. It is important to address this issue promptly to prevent the onset of an infection.
Grinding, Trauma or Injury
Whether you grind your teeth during sleep and gradually experience wear, or you suffer an immediate injury, such as during sports, a fractured or damaged tooth can cause significant pain. It is essential not to ignore this issue and seek treatment from your dentist, who may recommend options like fillings, crowns, or bonding.
Teeth grinding can also result in tooth sensitivity problems. Consulting your dentist can provide helpful tips on how to break this harmful habit.
Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth become impacted, they can cause considerable pain due to the pressure they exert on surrounding teeth or infection. Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to additional complications, including tooth damage and crowding if there is insufficient space for them to erupt properly.
Abscessed Tooth
Bacterial infections can result in pockets filled with pus, leading to painful sensitivity and potentially progressing into a more severe or even life-threatening condition.
Gum Disease
Gum disease (periodontal disease) can range from an early stage (gingivitis) to moderate and severe. In the early stages, your dentist may treat your gingivitis with a procedure called scaling and root planing – the process of removing plaque buildup from the gum line.
For a more urgent case that’s progressed to severe gum disease, you may need a root canal, antibiotics, and/or surgery.
Other Potential Causes
It is important to mention that some individuals may experience temporary tooth sensitivity, which does not necessarily indicate a serious problem.
Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can provide relief. Additionally, try to avoid consuming extremely hot or cold foods and beverages until the sensitivity subsides.
If you notice persistent sensitivity lasting beyond a couple of days, it may be a cause for greater concern, such as gum recession, and it is recommended to seek an appointment with your dentist.
There are also situations where the source of tooth pain may originate from outside the mouth. Viral or sinus infections, vitamin deficiencies, headaches, or colds can produce symptoms similar to those associated with a toothache.
However, it is still worthwhile to schedule a dental appointment, as ignoring or attempting to self-diagnose the pain could lead to serious issues. Most dental pain does not resolve on its own and should be evaluated by a dental professional.
What Helps Tooth Pain?
If you are wondering how to relieve tooth pain, the first and most obvious answer is to make an appointment with your dentist so that the issue can be diagnosed and treated.
In the meantime, there are a few home remedies for tooth pain you can try. Apply an ice pack or take an over-the-counter pain medication to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, a saltwater rinse can also help soothe and relieve tooth pain.