If you are suffering from pain in your gums or teeth call your dentist immediately to book an appointment. Today our dentists in Edmonton share some of the reasons why your teeth could be hurting and how you can manage your pain till you get to see your dentist.
The Possible Causes of Tooth & Gum Pain
It doesn't matter if your tooth pain is severe or only minor you should always have a dentist diagnose the problems as fast as possible. Most of the time a proper oral hygiene routine will be enough to prevent any discomfort or toothaches. But, there are many things that can lead to tooth or gum pain and we have listed the most common causes below:
Cavity/Tooth Decay
Cavities typically come on gradually, where the pain could appear suddenly. You should have this problem treated as soon as possible before it leads to an infection.
Trauma, Grinding, or Injury
Whether you grind your teeth in your sleep and gradually wear them down, or you sustain an injury in some more immediate way, for instance, while playing sports, a fractured or damaged tooth can be very painful – don’t ignore it. Your dentist may recommend treating it with a filling, dental crown, or bonding.
Grinding may also cause tooth sensitivity issues. Ask your dentist for tips on how to break this harmful habit.
Wisdom Teeth
When a person's wisdom teeth get impacted, the pressure it puts on the surrounding teeth can cause a great deal of pain or infection. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause secondary problems such as damage and crowding if there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt properly.
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 root canal treatment, antibiotics, and/or surgery.
Other Possible Causes
You should know that sometimes people feel temporary sensitivity in their teeth which isn't usually a sign of a major problem.
There is toothpaste available that is specifically made to help sensitive teeth. You can also try avoiding extremely hot or cold food and drinks until the sensitivity goes away.
If you notice ongoing sensitivity (for more than a couple of days), it could be a sign of a condition such as gum recession, and you should make an appointment with your dentist.
There are also times where the issue causing your tooth pain can be outside of your mouth. Viral or sinus infections, vitamin deficiencies, headaches, or colds can cause symptoms that mimic the pain you might experience with a toothache.
However, you should still book an appointment with your dentist because ignoring or misdiagnosing the pain yourself can cause more serious problems. Most dental pain won’t go away on its own and should be assessed by your dentist.
How to Alleviate 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 over-the-counter pain medication to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, a saltwater rinse can also help soothe and relieve tooth pain.