When you have tooth or gum pain you should contact your dentist right away. Here, our Kitchener dentists provide information on why you may have a toothache.
Causes Of Tooth Pain
If you have a toothache, no matter how mild or severe it is, it's important to get a dentist to check it out as soon as possible to find out what's causing the pain. While maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent toothaches, there are many possible reasons for tooth or gum pain, such as:
Cavity/Tooth Decay
Cavities usually develop over time, but they can cause sudden pain. It's important to address any tooth pain quickly to avoid the risk of an infection.
Grinding, Trauma or Injury
Grinding your teeth or getting an injury can damage your teeth and cause pain. Don't ignore it, and see your dentist who may recommend filling, crown or bonding to treat it. Grinding can also make your teeth sensitive, so ask your dentist for tips on how to stop this habit.
Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth get stuck in your gums, they can cause a lot of pain by pushing on nearby teeth or getting infected. If there isn't enough room for them to grow properly, they can also cause other problems like damaging nearby teeth and making your teeth more crowded.
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 Possible Causes
Tooth sensitivity can happen to some people and it's usually not a big problem. You can use special toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoid really hot or cold food and drinks to help.
If your sensitivity lasts for more than a couple of days, you should see your dentist because it could be a sign of something more serious like gum problems.
Sometimes, tooth pain could be caused by other things like infections or headaches, but it's still important to see your dentist so they can check what's going on.
Don't try to fix the pain on your own because it could lead to bigger problems. Your dentist can help you find the right treatment for your dental pain.
Treatment Of 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.