Different Tooth Pains and the Possible Causes

In today’s age, people often turn to the internet for immediate answers about dental problems. Unfortunately, without a dentist checking you out, you have no way of knowing the root of the issue. Luckily, your friendly Valencia dentist has compiled a list for you of common pains and some of their common causes. Self-diagnosing, of course, will never replace the real thing, and it is always wisest to check with your dentist if you have concerns.

Issue: Sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

Possible causes: Depending on the length of the pain, it could be a sign of dental decay, loose fillings, brushing too hard (harming the outer enamel) or even exposed roots cause by gingivitis.

Possible solutions: If you fear gingivitis is the cause, you will need to keep your gum line clean. Use a soft toothbrush and try and limit the brushings to twice a day. You can also use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth; they contain larger amounts of fluoride which can help the tooth. In more severe cases, you can dab the toothpaste directly onto the problem area and let it sit for about ten to fifteen minutes. If your teeth continue to be sensitive, see your dentist for further investigation.

Issue: Sensitivity after a dental treatment. 

Possible causes: Dental treatments can cause the tooth’s inner pulp to swell, causing sensitivity.

Possible solutions: The sensitivity should go away on its own after a few days; if the treatment was more
involved (such as a crown or filling), it could
take a week or so for the inflammation to reduce. In the meantime, over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen should help reduce the inflammation and stop the pain. If the pain gets worse or doesn't go away, see your dentist.

Issue: Sharp pain when biting down.

Possible causes: Loose fillings, cavities, lodged debris, or even a cracked tooth can cause a sharp pain when biting down.

Possible solutions: Since it’s very hard to pinpoint the cause yourself, seeing your dentist would be best if this is an issue. If it’s decay causing the pain, fillings will be necessary. If it’s a loose filling, they can replace or repair it. A cracked tooth is trickier, and may involve a root canal or even an extraction.

Issue: Constant sharp pain from a region.

Possible causes: Your dental pulp tissue is likely infected or inflamed. The decay is nearing a nerve, causing pain in a specific region of your mouth.

Possible solutions: A root canal can remove the infect pulp and save the tooth. Otherwise, left untreated, the pain can get worse and cause tooth loss.

Issue: Constant severe pain and pressure with swollen gums.

Possible causes: In all likelihood, the tooth has an infection or abscess that has spread beyond the tooth, possibly into the gums and bones.

Possible solutions: See your dentist immediately. Do not wait for the pain to get worse. You will likely need a root canal to save the tooth. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce the pain temporarily.

As always, these are just suggestions and very general guidelines. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, it is best to see your friendly Valencia dentist as soon as you can. Only they can diagnose the causes of your symptoms.