Tooth pain can debilitate, especially when it’s constant. So much so, that toothaches are single-handedly responsible for millions of visits to ER annually! Thankfully, though, with the help of a trusted dentist, most tooth-related pain is easily treatable. However, time is usually of the essence. Because of this, if you’re experiencing one or more sore teeth, whether mild or severe, it’s essential you see a dentist for treatment before the problem escalates.
At The Village Dentist, our Castle Hill dental practice, our experienced and compassionate dental team has helped many patients determine and treat the cause of their tooth pain. In this article, we share information on some types of tooth pain, their various causes, potential treatments for a sore tooth, and tips on how to reduce your chances of toothache.
Types of tooth pain
The type of pain you’re experiencing may indicate the dental issue you’re experiencing. Below, you can explore some common types of tooth-related pain:
Sharp pain
This kind of dental pain is one of the most common types. It’s often brought about by sudden changes in temperature, for example, when you eat or drink hot or cold foods. You might also experience tooth sensitivity when brushing your teeth, chewing food or when your teeth make contact. This kind of tooth pain is often sudden and short-lived, however, it can sometimes be ongoing, which suggests a more serious problem.
Potential causes: Sensitive teeth are commonly caused by worn tooth enamel or receding gums that expose your tooth roots. In cases of more persistent tooth sensitivity, it may be because of advanced tooth decay or other tooth damage, for example, a tooth fracture or chip.
Dull ache
A dull aching pain is the type of tooth pain most commonly associated with the classic ‘toothache’. You might feel a dull aching in one or more teeth. It might even originate from your jaw. This type of toothache, whether it comes and goes or remains constant, is usually a warning sign of an issue that requires dental or other medical attention and is unlikely to resolve on its own.
Potential causes: The exact cause of an aching tooth or teeth can be difficult to determine without undergoing a dental examination. This is because the cause of this type of tooth pain is usually not visible on the surface of your teeth and may require an x-ray to identify. Toothache can result from a multitude of instances, for example, tooth decay, impacted wisdom teeth, teeth grinding, temporomandibular joint disorder or an abscess forming under your gumline.
Throbbing
If you have throbbing tooth pain, you may experience it in a single tooth or spread across several teeth on your top or bottom jaw on one side of your face. This throbbing pain may get worse over time, perhaps developing from what once localised sharp pain or tooth sensitivity. It’s common for this type of tooth pain to be accompanied by red and/or inflamed gums.
Potential causes: Like dull aches, there can be several potential reasons you may experience throbbing pain in one or more teeth. Constant throbbing indicates a serious dental issue that requires urgent dental care, for example, an infected tooth, a broken tooth or severe gum disease.
Extreme pain
Extreme pain can refer to any of the above-mentioned tooth pain that becomes unbearable. Whether it’s extreme sensitivity, aching or throbbing you’re experiencing in one or more teeth, it’s important that you seek immediate care from an emergency dentist. Extreme tooth pain is the kind of pain that may leave you feeling dizzy, nauseous or, otherwise, unwell.
Potential causes: Severe pain may be because of tooth trauma, for example, a damaged tooth because of impact in a sporting accident. If you feel uncomfortable pressure or notice any swelling on your face or neck, the pain you’re experiencing could also be from an abscess or other oral infection.
Treatment options
There are several treatment options available, varying from minor to major, for resolving different kinds of tooth pain. The type you require depends on the cause of your pain. While the below information can give you an idea of the kinds of treatment options available, only a dentist can determine an appropriate treatment plan for you.
Below, you can explore some of the treatment options your dentist may recommend based on your specific situation:
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity because of enamel wear or receding gums, your dentist might recommend a solution for you that could be something as simple as toothpaste for sensitive teeth. This kind of toothpaste provides a barrier between the many microscopic channels that run from the dentin layer to your tooth’s central nerve chamber, reducing or even eliminating any sharp pains you may feel when eating, drinking or brushing your teeth.
Dental filling
If you have a small chip in your tooth or a small cavity because of tooth decay, a dental filling can ease your discomfort and also protect your tooth from further damage. Contrary to popular belief, a dental filling is usually a quick and straightforward procedure that shouldn’t cause you much, if any, discomfort at all. It involves filling the hole or chip in your tooth with composite or porcelain material, stopping further bacteria from entering the space and restoring the structure of your tooth.
Root canal therapy
Your dentist may recommend root canal treatment if you’ve got an infected tooth. This treatment involves removing the infected pulp from the centre of your tooth, disinfecting the tooth, filling the hole and then covering the tooth with a dental crown. A root canal can eliminate your dental pain, restore your tooth’s function and aesthetics and, ultimately, save your tooth from needing extraction.
Dental crown
If you have a significant crack or chip in your tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. A dental crown acts as a cap for your tooth. It’s custom-made to fit perfectly over the top of your tooth, restoring its structure and maintaining its natural appearance amongst your surrounding teeth.
Periodontal therapy
There are various forms of periodontal therapy that your dentist may recommend for you if you have gum disease. The type of periodontal therapy your dentist may recommend for you can depend on the severity of your gum disease. A common type of therapy for gum disease involves scaling and root planing. This is a non-surgical solution that includes a thorough cleaning of plaque from the roots of your teeth, under your gum line, and the smoothing of your tooth root’s surface to prevent bacteria from adhering to it and causing further infection.
Wisdom tooth removal
If your wisdom teeth erupt normally, there’s usually no need for dental surgery, but in many adults, they erupt at abnormal angles, causing discomfort and an array of oral health implications. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, your dentist is likely to suggest you have them removed. Wisdom tooth removal is commonly done in a single appointment in the dental chair under local anaesthetic, though it can also usually be done in a hospital under general anesthetic if you prefer.
How to prevent tooth pain
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure! There are many ways you can prevent having to deal with tooth pain. Below, you can find some ways:
- Attend regular dental check-ups: Maintaining regular dental check-ups can help you keep your oral health in check by having a dentist routinely undertake an in-depth examination of your teeth and gums as well as perform thorough teeth cleaning. By having a regular and ongoing dental check-up, your dentist can identify any potential problems before they escalate and begin causing you discomfort.
- Practise excellent oral health habits: Along with dental check-ups, it's also important to practice healthy dental care habits at home. This involves brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing your teeth each day and using an antibacterial mouthwash as an optional extra.
- Maintain a healthy diet: The food and drinks you consume can play an important role in maintaining a healthy smile and keeping your teeth pain-free. It's a good idea to avoid sugary, processed drinks and food, as they can promote tooth decay.
- Protect your teeth: If you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports, it's a good idea to protect your teeth from the potential damage they may sustain. A bite splint can protect your teeth through the night and a custom-made mouthguard can protect your teeth on the field.
The Village Dentist is here to help
Whether you’re experiencing tooth pain or you want to reduce your chances of having to experience it, The Village Dentist in Castle Hill is here to help. From dental check-ups and professional teeth cleaning to emergency dentistry and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our experienced, compassionate and extra-gentle dentists.
