Why does my tooth hurt?
Toothache can be uncomfortable at best, and at worst, it can be excruciating. It can ruin any mealtime, stop you from sleeping, and leave you in constant agony, leaving you feeling miserable.
There are several reasons why you might not have yet gone to the dentist. You may be concerned that the treatment that you need will be uncomfortable, or that it may be costly.
The reality of the situation is that if you leave your current dental discomfort untreated, then the problem may yet get worse. You could end up needing a more significant treatment, which might cost more, or you may need extractions that leave your mouth with missing teeth.
If you are wondering ‘why does my tooth hurt?’ but have not yet been to the dentist, then it is essential that you book an appointment at the earliest possible opportunity.
In this article, we’ll explore why your tooth might be hurting, and then we’ll discuss how this can be treated.
Why does my tooth hurt?
Your tooth can hurt in many ways, and identifying how it hurts will help to tell the underlying cause. For example, you may want to know why does my tooth hurt when I eat? If you have a sensitivity in your teeth to certain foods, particularly cold foods, then it is likely that you need to have a filling. If you have a dull ache, or your tooth hurts with pressure, generally speaking, this is due to tooth decay or an infection. It could also be the result of an injury. You may also experience pain after you have had a tooth removed.
Tooth decay and infection need to be treated as early as possible.
What causes infection and tooth decay?
Tooth decay and infection will start off as a build-up of bacteria on your teeth. This occurs when your teeth are not properly cleaned on a regular basis.
In addition to tooth decay, excessive plaque bacteria can also bring about gum disease too. This may or may not result in pain and discomfort.
When is toothache not toothache?
You may find that pain occasionally starts in a completely different area and spreads to the jaw and presents at toothache.
This can happen when you have pain in the temporomandibular joint, ears, and sinuses. In some extreme cases, it can also stem from heart problems.
To rule out all of these problems, you should make sure that you make an appointment with your dentist at the earliest opportunity.
What painkillers can I take for my toothache?
If you are experiencing a toothache, it can be very uncomfortable. The pain can become too much at times.
You should visit the dentist at the earliest possible opportunity. However, in the meantime, there are a couple of things that you can do.
Make sure that you keep your teeth and gums as clean as possible at all times.
If you need to take any painkillers, take some anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen. With this type of tablet, you should ensure you take it with food, and follow the guidelines on the packet.
If you are unable to take ibuprofen, then you could take aspirin or acetaminophen as long as you don’t have an allergy,
Taking painkillers is not a substitute for visiting your dentist and dealing with the cause of the problem, though.
Getting your toothache treated
Because your toothache could be caused by a range of different causes, it is essential that you visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Tooth decay will pass through several stages. At the start, it may be possible to treat this with a filling. If it is not treated at this stage, it can get worse. The decay may go deeper into your teeth, and your tooth may become badly infected. In this instance, you may need a root canal.
Without having a root canal, you will run the risk of developing painful abscesses in your mouth as the tissues surrounding your teeth become infected too.
In the root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed. Then, the infected tooth is cleaned and sealed up.
In certain circumstances, teeth need to be removed because the decay has passed the point where the tooth can be saved or repaired.
Visiting the dentist for treatment
If you have been holding off from getting treatment because you are afraid of going to the dentist, speak with your dentist about this.
Your dentist will be able to put you at ease, and they can do things to help you manage the pain better.
If your dentist is aware that you have a fear of the process, they will be very sympathetic to this problem, and they will do their best to support you.
If you are worried about the costs, again speak with your dentist. However, it is important to understand that often, the earlier a dental problem is caught, the easier and cheaper the treatment will be.
How can you prevent toothache?
Most dental problems can be prevented by simply brushing your teeth thoroughly on a regular basis. You should do this using fluoride toothpaste, and you should brush your teeth for two minutes at a time, twice a day.
Bacteria can often live between your teeth in the parts where your brush cannot reach. This can cause your teeth to decay along the sides. To prevent this, you should floss between your teeth.
In addition to flossing and brushing twice daily, you should also have your teeth cleaned professionally twice a year. At this time, the dentist may also want to apply fluoride and sealants to help.
Book your appointment today
If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort in your teeth, then it is essential that you get this addressed sooner rather than later.
Our expert dentist is on hand to help identify the cause of your toothache and to treat it as quickly as possible.
Get in touch today to make an appointment today with Patient Empowered Dentistry.
