Your Guide To Tackling Troublesome Tooth Pain
Many of us make an effort to eat well and exercise, but are you doing everything possible to protect your smile? Dental problems are relatively common, but they can often be prevented. If you’ve been suffering from tooth pain, here are some common causes and some tips to put a smile back on your face.
Causes of tooth pain
If you have toothache, there may be various causes. Firstly, you may have a cavity. A cavity is a hole, which forms in the tooth surface. Cavities are signs of decay, and they are caused by harmful oral bacteria. Once the surface of the tooth has been penetrated, there’s a risk of infection. In some cases, it is possible to feel a cavity if you run your tongue over the tooth. You may also find that pain intensifies when you use the tooth when you’re eating.
A sudden onset of pain or severe throbbing pain may be caused by a dental abscess. Abscesses are fluid-filled sores, which can develop inside the tooth or between the tooth and the gum. Unlike other types of abscess, dental abscesses aren’t usually treated using antibiotics.
Dental pain may also be linked to the development of your wisdom teeth. These are the last teeth to erupt, and they are situated in the corners of the mouth. There are four in total. Sometimes, the wisdom teeth don’t cause any problems, but often, they can be very painful. This is usually because there isn’t enough space in the jaw for the teeth to grow properly, and this can result in impacted wisdom teeth. An impacted tooth pushes against the neighbouring tooth, and it may grow at an angle.
Sensitivity is a common problem. If you have sensitive teeth, you’ll experience pain when you eat or drink hot or cold foods, or your teeth are exposed to cold air. Sensitivity occurs when the dentine, the layer beneath the protective enamel surface, becomes exposed. This is usually the result of enamel erosion. The dentine contains the nerves, and this is why you feel pain.
Tackling troublesome teeth
If you have dental pain, it’s always best to see your dentist. Even minor pain can be a sign of an underlying issue.
If you have a cavity, your dentist can place a filling. This will strengthen the tooth, and help to prevent further infection. Fillings can also be an effective treatment for sensitivity. Your dentist may also recommend using toothpaste for sensitive teeth and using a straw when you drink hot or ice cold drinks.
If you have a painful wisdom tooth, the most common course of action is wisdom tooth extraction. You don’t need your wisdom teeth, so if they’re causing problems, the best thing to do is take them out. You can have your wisdom teeth removed under sedation or general anaesthetic.
Dental abscesses should be treated by dentists only. They are usually surgically removed and drained. You may also be advised to take painkillers.
If you’re suffering from troublesome teeth, see your dentist. It’s always best to get checked out sooner rather than later.