If you're experiencing tooth or gum pain, reach out to your dentist right away to make an appointment. In this blog, our dentists in Prince Albert will discuss the potential causes of your pain and suggest actions you can take before your dental visit.
What causes tooth pain & gum pain?
No matter how mild or severe your toothache is, it's important to see a dentist as soon as you can to determine the underlying cause of your tooth pain. Following a thorough oral hygiene routine can often prevent toothaches or discomfort, but it's not a foolproof solution. Several potential factors can lead to tooth or gum pain. Some of these factors include:
Cavity/Tooth Decay
Cavities may develop slowly over time, but sudden pain can indicate a serious problem. It is important to address this issue promptly to avoid the risk of infection.
Grinding, Trauma or Injury
If you have a fractured or damaged tooth, whether from grinding your teeth in your sleep or sustaining an injury while playing sports, it can be extremely painful and should not be ignored. Your dentist may suggest treatment options such as a filling, crown, or bonding. Additionally, teeth grinding can lead to sensitivity issues, so it's important to ask your dentist for advice on how to break this habit.
Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth are impacted, they may lead to substantial discomfort by exerting pressure on neighboring teeth or triggering infection. Moreover, impacted wisdom teeth can result in further issues such as damage to teeth and overcrowding if they don't have sufficient space to grow in appropriately.
Abscessed Tooth
Bacterial infections may lead to pockets filled with pus. This not only creates painful sensitivity, but can also develop into a more serious, or even life-threatening, condition.
Gum Disease
Gum disease (periodontal disease) can range from 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's important to keep in mind that some individuals may experience temporary tooth sensitivity, which may not necessarily be a cause for alarm. Using toothpaste specifically made for sensitive teeth could be helpful. Additionally, it's best to avoid consuming extremely hot or cold food and beverages until the sensitivity subsides.
If you experience ongoing sensitivity lasting for more than a few days, it might indicate a more serious issue such as gum recession. In this case, it's recommended to see your dentist. There could be instances where the pain may not have originated from your teeth. For instance, viral or sinus infections, vitamin deficiencies, headaches or colds may cause symptoms that resemble toothache.
It's crucial to schedule an appointment with your dentist even if you suspect that the pain might not be tooth-related. Ignoring or misdiagnosing the pain could lead to serious complications. Dental pain generally does not resolve on its own and it's important to have it evaluated by your dentist.
What Helps Tooth Pain?
If you're wondering how to ease tooth pain, the first step is to see your dentist for a diagnosis and treatment. Meanwhile, there are a few home remedies you can try.
Apply an ice pack or take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce pain and swelling. A saltwater rinse may also help soothe and relieve tooth pain in certain cases.