Don’t you just hate it when you have a toothache and there doesn’t seem to be much you can do about it? The pain radiates through your mouth and head, leaving you wondering when you’ll have some relief. Toothaches can occur because of a wide variety of issues, but if you’re wondering what might be causing yours, let a dentist share 5 reasons you are experiencing pain in your teeth and what you can do to resolve the issue.
Food Lodged Between Teeth
When eating a juicy steak, oftentimes, a piece of that yummy goodness can remain behind in between your teeth. When this happens, you’ll probably notice that you’ll begin to have some tenderness and pain developing in a particular area of your mouth. The best way to handle lodged food is to take a piece of dental floss and gently move it between your teeth. This will dislodge the item and provide you with the relief you need. However, if pain persists, you will need to contact your dentist immediately.
Infection
Poor oral hygiene can result in a wide range of oral health issues, but when an infection occurs, this is a problem only your dentist can solve. Whether it’s an infection in your tooth or gums, you’ll need to contact your dental office as soon as possible. The earlier they can treat the infection, the better off you will be. Depending on the severity of the problem, you might need gum disease therapy, a root canal, a dental crown, or in the most severe cases, a tooth removed.
Sensitivity
If biting into an ice cream cone or drinking hot coffee causes you to cringe in pain, it is probably due to the fact you have sensitive teeth. This type of toothache means the dentin layer of your tooth (which lies directly underneath the enamel) is exposed. How does this happen? Cavities, worn fillings, or cracked teeth can cause this to occur, in addition to receding gums. You’ll need to talk to your dentist about treatment options, and it will be most likely that they will suggest you begin using a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.
Injured Tooth
Whether it is a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth, dental injuries can cause significant pain. In these situations, you need to call your emergency dentist as soon as possible to receive treatment. You can use a cold compress to reduce swelling. In the meantime, if you take an over-the-counter pain reliever to alleviate the discomfort, avoid aspirin.
Bruxism
Do you grind or clench your teeth? This is also known as bruxism, and millions of Americans battle it every day. When your teeth are forcibly coming together, it can cause significant wear and tear, in addition to causing toothaches and pain over time. The good news is that a nightguard can help with this problem. Allowing your dentist to examine your mouth and have you fitted with a custom nightguard will have you feeling less pain in no time.
Toothaches are one of life’s annoying occurrences. Ranging from mild to severe, only a qualified dentist can determine how serious the issue is and which method of treatment is right for you. Don’t go another day in pain. Talk to a dentist about what you can do to treat your toothache.
About the Author
Drs. Travis and Christel Cochell are a husband and wife team who own and operate Cochell Family Dentistry in Salem, Oregon. Whether you or a member of your family need preventive, restorative, cosmetic, or emergency dentistry services, our team of experts are here to help you. When a toothache hits or a dental emergency occurs, we know you want relief as soon as possible, which is why you can count on us to help you. Find out more about our services by contacting us at (503) 585-8688.