Aggravated tooth pain can come in many different shapes and sizes – a dull ache, prolonged throbbing sensation, and even a sharp pain that overwhelms you in an instant. But for those familiar with tooth nerve pain, you know the sensation all too well.
Although tooth nerve pain isn't fun, it's something almost everyone has experienced. Whether it's from a cavity or a cracked tooth, aggravating the tooth's nerve is a common path to the pain you feel.
Anatomy of Tooth Nerve Pain
Each tooth is composed of four parts: enamel, cementum, dentine and pulp.
Enamel is the strong outermost substance on the tooth. Its purpose is to protect the tooth's crown.
Cementum is the next layer, which protects a tooth's root below the gumline.
Dentine comes next, although it's not as dense as your enamel or cementum. Contained within the dentine are microscopic tubules, all of which connect to the tooth's pulp.
The pulp houses a tooth's nerves, so when the dentine has worn away, certain foods and drinks can reach the nerves via the tubules, resulting in tooth sensitivity.
How the Nerve Becomes Exposed
The nerves inside the pulp of our teeth are very sensitive and can become indirectly exposed to the foods and drinks that we consume. Some of these foods and drinks can produce a painful response. Most commonly, these can be cold, hot and sweet foods and drinks. When these nerves are indirectly exposed through the dentine tubules, they can even become sensitive to brushing and movement. Here are some causes of tooth nerve pain:
Cracked Teeth: You may be experiencing a cracked tooth if you feel pain when chewing. These cracks can also result in sensitivity to changes in temperature.
Gum Disease: As gums recede, the underlying dentine tubules are uncovered, allowing hot and cold foods and drinks to affect the nerves in your teeth.
Tobacco Use: Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco can damage teeth and gums, leading to tooth sensitivity.
Tooth Grinding: People who suffer from grinding teeth (known as bruxism) often grind their teeth while sleeping. This can lead to damaged tooth enamel, uncovering the underlying dentine tubules, which eventually may lead to tooth sensitivity.
Sugary Foods: Cavities (known as dental caries) are damaged openings in the hard surface of your teeth. Sugar is a contributing factor to the formation of cavities, leading to an increased risk of tooth nerve pain.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Improper brushing and flossing can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Proper oral hygiene can go a long way in preventing the formation of tooth nerve pain.
Foods to Avoid
Identifying which foods are the culprits of your pain allows you to focus on what you should consume to mitigate the irritation. When the underlying dentine tubules are exposed, the most common types of foods associated with nerve pain are hot and cold, sugary and sweet, and acidic and sour. Remember that drinks fall into these categories, too. Iced water, coffee, tea and fizzy drinks can all make you wince in pain if your tooth's nerve becomes exposed. Anything with a high sugar content, such as desserts and fizzy and sports drinks, can contribute to tooth decay as well. Regardless of the food or drink triggers, it is essential to visit your dentist to get a diagnosis of what is the source of the pain and how to resolve it.
As with similar mouth conditions, avoiding tooth nerve pain is possible through good oral care. The foundation for a healthy mouth starts with brushing at least twice a day. Don't forget to floss daily, either. Keep in mind that regular dental check-ups are another crucial component. Your dentist serves as a good resource to recognise any budding tooth issues and to reinforce that your oral care efforts are working.
If you've ever felt immediate pain in a tooth after drinking something hot, you know how hot beverages can trigger sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a number of things, including receding gums and a loss of enamel.But have you ever experienced tooth pain simply by breathing in hot or cold air? During the hot summer months, it's actually possible for warm air to cause the same sort of reaction. There are also a few other ways that hot weather can lead to tooth pain.
YOUR LIPS DRY OUT
When your lips dry out, they can become cracked and chapped. This can cause infection, which in turn can lead to worse tooth pain. Cracked lips also make it more difficult for you to keep your mouth closed since you will want to drink more water or lick your lips more often. The lips insulate the teeth, so every time you open your mouth, you invite hot air in.
IT MAY BE SINUS ISSUES
The pain you feel may not actually come from your teeth at all, even though it feels like it is. Sinuses and allergies can all cause pain in your mouth. This is much more common during warmer weather since you may be outdoors more often and the pollen counts are much higher. If you've come in for an exam and we can't find any evidence of damage to your teeth or gums, the issue may be allergies. Often, taking an over-the-counter medication such as an antihistamine or decongestant helps relieve this pain.If you've felt pain in your teeth when breathing in really warm air, it may be a sign of a cavity or that a dental filling or crown has come loose. The best thing to do is to call us as soon as you can to make an appointment for a checkup.
There are many reasons someone can have sensitive teeth. Here we will review just a few common causes of tooth sensitivity.
Causes of tooth sensitivity
Brushing too hard
Some people believe that the harder they brush their teeth, the cleaner they will be, which is not accurate. Brushing your teeth too hard, especially when using a hard bristle brush, wears down the enamel protecting your teeth, exposing the nerves connected to the dentin in your tooth. The exposure of the nerves to extreme temperatures creates tooth sensitivity. You can avoid wearing down your enamel by using a soft bristle brush and brushing your teeth gently.
Acidic foods
If your enamel is weakened and the nerves connected to the dentin are exposed, eating acidic foods can cause tooth sensitivity. To avoid spending your day in pain, stay away from acidic foods and fruits like grapefruit, lemon, pickles and tomato sauce, which can cause discomfort.
Gum recession
If you have gum disease, the chances of your gums receding are high. When your gums recede, your tooth roots are left exposed, leading to sensitivity in the tooth with the exposed root. In some cases, the recession of your gums can be treated with oral surgery.
Mouthwash
The frequent use of mouthwash can lead to tooth sensitivity because most over-the-counter mouthwashes contain alcohol and have chemicals that weaken the enamel and make your teeth more sensitive. You can avoid putting yourself in pain by using fluoride mouthwash, which prevents plaque and strengthens your enamel.
Tooth-whitening toothpaste
Tooth-whitening toothpaste can lead to tooth sensitivity because they have chemicals to help bleach your teeth white. These chemicals can eat at your enamel and wear them down, leading to the exposure of the dentin nerves and tooth sensitivity.
Grinding your teeth
Teeth grinding is something many people do in their sleep. Even though the action is mostly involuntary, it leads to tooth sensitivity because the grinding on the teeth wears down the enamel. If you grind your teeth, you should talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard to use while you sleep to prevent further damage to your teeth and avoid tooth sensitivity.
Dental procedures
Dental procedures are done to improve the health of your teeth, but sometimes, they can also be the cause of the problem. Procedures like teeth whitening, dental crowns and fillings can lead to tooth sensitivity. However, the discomfort caused by these procedures is temporary.
Excessive plaque
The buildup of plaque on your teeth can lead to gum disease and tooth sensitivity because the plaque wears down your enamel and weakens your teeth, which in turn makes them sensitive. Practicing good oral hygiene can help reduce the plaque on your teeth, preventing tooth sensitivity and gum disease.
There are few things as painful and disruptive as a toothache. But when is severe tooth pain a minor issue and when is it a cause for concern? The difference is in how the toothache started. Some issues are easy to fix, whereas others speak to a more in-depth problem that you'll need to discuss with your dentist. Depending on your symptoms, you can both develop a treatment plan that says goodbye to tooth pain so you can return to a pain-free routine.
1. Worn Enamel
When biting into an ice cream or drinking hot tea leaves you wincing in pain, that sensitivity to hot and cold can be a problem not just for your diet. Temperature sensitivity is often a side effect of damaged enamel, which you can't get back once worn away. Damaged enamel is an erosion of the hard mineral that protects your teeth's surface and it is usually the result of brushing to hard. It can also be from exposure to acid or excess sugar. Enamel that wears away can result in cavities, but it produces sensitivity to extreme temperatures much earlier than that. If you suspect this is the reason for your severe tooth pain, talk to your dentist and reinforce your teeth with an enamel strengthening toothbrush to help fight against future damage.
2. Cavities
Your teeth are covered by a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Brushing effectively removes this layer, but it can reform quite quickly after brushing. After a meal or snack, the bacteria turn the sugars in foods and drinks into acid. If that acid wears away tooth enamel to the point where a hole is formed, you have a cavity as explained by News 24. These cavities often manifest as sharp pain, particularly when you bite down on something hard, and it doesn't have to be hot or cold to set you off. Cavities are essentially small fissures in your teeth, but keep in mind they can lead to more complicated infection if left unfilled. You should therefore see your dentist as soon as you suspect you have one; he or she can fill it to prevent it from becoming worse.
3. Cracked Tooth
Maybe you bit down on a hard food or suffered an accident in a contact sport. Whatever the cause, cracked or chipped teeth can definitely give way to severe tooth pain because, like enamel erosion, it exposes the tender nerves deep inside the tooth. If you've cracked a tooth, your dentist can place a crown – a synthetic covering molded to your mouth to seal the crack – to help you avoid pain and improve your smile after it happens.
4. Loose Filling or Dental Work
Although fillings and crowns are meant to be long-lasting solutions to dental issues, they can occasionally crack, become loose or even fall out completely. In this case, the original severe tooth pain from exposed nerves might come back, so you'll need to see your dentist to have the work repaired, replaced or discussed further regarding options that might last longer.
5. Abscess
Perhaps one of the most uncomfortable problems, an abscess occurs when the pulp portion of a tooth's tissue becomes infected – usually the result of a cavity that goes untreated. This infection produces swelling, redness, throbbing pain and even a literal bad taste in your mouth. Abscesses might require a few different treatments: drainage, antibiotics and a root canal to remove the infected tissue and seal the area – all of which are meant to get rid of an abscess and the accompanying pain.
A toothache might be more than just an inconvenient issue. Usually it's a sign that something else is going on, and the sooner the problem is addressed, the faster you can get back to pain-free days. See your dentist for severe tooth pain and you'll be back to normal in no time.
Toothaches can cause significant discomfort and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. However, there are many options to help relieve the pain. These remedies simply treat the pain and it is important to contact your dentist to cure the underlying problem.
Key takeaways:
Toothaches lasting more than 24 hours should always be evaluated.
Pain can be relieved with traditional medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or numbing medications.
Cold compresses and ice can provide relief.
Homemade rinses and commercially available mouthwashes can be used with success.
Herbal remedies like clove oil and garlic can also be used but talk with your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist before use.
Causes of toothaches
Cavities, chipped or broken teeth, damaged fillings, infections, and abscesses can all cause tooth pain.
Other causes of tooth pain include sinus infections and repetitive movements of your jaw.
Depending on the cause, your doctor or dentist will determine the most appropriate treatment. However, while waiting for your appointment, here are some options to relieve the discomfort.
Traditional pain relievers
Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin can help provide pain relief.
Ibuprofen and naproxen can also help reduce any swelling associated with the toothache.
Over-the-counter (OTC) numbing medications
Benzocaine, a local anesthetic, is available in many OTC medications to help numb the painful area. Orajel and Anbesol are just a couple of the name-brand numbing medications available. Various preparations (oral rinse, gel, liquid) are available.
Homemade oral rinses
Salt water rinse — use 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
Hydrogen peroxide rinse — use an equal part of hydrogen peroxide mixed with water (ie. 1 ounce Hydrogen peroxide in 1 ounce of water).
These rinses can be used similarly to mouthwash. Use by swishing them around the mouth and spitting them out. Do not swallow the rinse. They can help clean the affected tooth and provide relief.
Alcohol containing products
Commercially available mouthwashes containing alcohol (Listerine) can be used to relieve toothaches. The alcohol in the mouthwash helps to numb the painful tooth.
Vanilla extract can be used by placing a small amount of the liquid on the painful tooth. The extract contains alcohol to numb the tooth.
Natural remedies
Clove oil — The active ingredient, Eugenol, acts as an anesthetic and can be used to provide temporary relief of tooth pain. It should be applied directly to the area of pain.
Garlic — Allicin is released by garlic cloves and can provide toothache relief. It can be used by placing chopped bits of garlic clove on the tooth or by chewing a clove. Burns to the lining of the mouth and tongue have been associated with raw garlic use. Contact a healthcare professional prior to using this method.
Ice and cold compresses
When swelling is present, cold compresses or an ice pack can help. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
In addition, massaging an ice cube on the skin of the back of the hand in the webspace between the thumb and index finger has been shown to relieve tooth pain. This spot is called the “Hoku Point”. Use the hand on the same side as the pain and massage until the area is numb.
Herbal treatments
Numerous herbal remedies have been used over the years to help alleviate toothaches. However, many of these may be difficult to obtain and have not been shown to clearly provide benefits. These include:
Thyme;
Turmeric;
Herbal tea such as peppermint, ginger, or chamomile tea bags — cooled and placed on the tooth;
Guava leaves;
Cola nuts;
Mango bark;
Sweet potato;
Sunflower leaves.
Seek medical attention
Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Therefore, all tooth pain that lasts for more than a day (24 hours) should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
If you experience fevers, chills, or severe pain, seek immediate medical attention.
While most people know that visiting a dentist twice a year is a good rule of thumb, there are some situations that may call for an extra visit. Seeing your dentist every six months will help them detect problems before they become serious and keep your teeth and gums in top shape. But if you are experiencing any of the following, it may be time to schedule an appointment.
1. Tooth pain
If you notice new and unusual pain in your gums or inside your mouth, this could be a sign of an infection. Generally speaking, the pain won’t go away on its own and needs professional medical attention before it will get better. Your dentist will be able to evaluate the swollen or painful area and decide what treatment option to pursue.
2. White spots in your mouth
White spots can appear on your teeth and gums and may signal a more serious problem. If they are on your teeth, this may be a sign that you are developing cavities. If you notice them on your gums, this is likely a sign of an infection that may be affecting the root of the tooth. Do not play with or poke these spots. Instead, see your dentist as soon as possible.
3. Dry mouth
Having a dry mouth that doesn’t get better even after drinking copious amounts of water is another reason to make a dentist appointment. Dry mouth could be caused by diabetes, snoring, or even a stroke. It can sometimes be attributed to certain medications. Treating dry mouth is also important for preventing other dental problems like bad breath and gum disease.
4. Bleeding after brushing your teeth
If you notice blood on your teeth or gums after brushing your teeth and flossing, this could be an early sign of gum disease. It is important to treat this before it becomes a serious problem because gum disease can cause tooth loss as well as bad breath.
5. Inflamed gums
Gum disease can affect anyone, even people with a healthy dental routine. When plaque builds up on your gums, they can become red and inflamed, which is an early sign of gum disease. Your dentist will be able to identify the problem and recommend an oral health routine to put you back on track.
Practicing great oral care not only involves brushing twice a day and flossing daily—it also means visiting your oral care provider for a professional cleaning every six months. While these visits usually are painless and quick, they can sometimes leave your teeth feeling sensitive, especially if you received a deep cleaning. Luckily, over time these sensations will fade and do not indicate anything serious. Here’s a look at why you have sensitive teeth after a cleaning and what you can do if this feeling lasts longer than expected.
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive After A Cleaning?
Teeth sensitivity happens when the dentin, which is the layer beneath your enamel, becomes exposed due to receding gums. Remember—your roots don’t have enamel to protect them, so anything that comes in contact with them may cause sensitivity, like dental tools. While several factors contribute to tooth sensitivity, dental cleanings are a known cause, as your dental care professional may probe your gums and use tools that contact-sensitive areas of your teeth.
Deep Cleaning
Not every dental visit will involve a deep cleaning, but your teeth may also feel sensitive afterward if you do receive this procedure. According to the University of Michigan Health Library, you may need a deep cleaning when your gums have started to pull away from the teeth and create pockets where plaque can get trapped. When your oral care provider performs this procedure, which is also known as scaling and root planing, they’ll remove tartar and rough bacteria that have calcified on your teeth in these pockets. According to the American Dental Association, scaling is when your oral care provider removes the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline using special tools. Planing is when they smooth out your teeth’s roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth.
Before a deep-cleaning session, the gums may be inflamed and swollen or have deep pockets infected with bacteria. Both scaling and root planing help treat these problems, but this treatment can hurt your teeth after the cleaning due to natural discomfort and bleeding. The dentist may offer a local anesthetic if your deep cleaning is likely to be more irritating.
What Happens Next?
It’s normal to experience sensitivity after a deep cleaning, which can last up to a week. Soreness and pain may also linger for a few days as your gums may be swollen or bleed. Your oral care provider may prescribe an antibiotic or mouth rinse to manage any pain and fight any possible infections.
Caring for Deep-Cleaned Teeth
Taking good care of your teeth after a deep cleaning treatment helps your gums heal by reducing the common triggers of pain and sensitivity. Wait at least a day before flossing, and brush your teeth carefully with a soft-bristled toothbrush while your gums are still sore. Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help treat and prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid eating foods or drinking liquids that set off your sensitivity. If your teeth are sensitive three or four weeks after treatment or you have other concerns, contact your dentist for a follow-up visit. He or she can check that your gums are healing well.
How to Avoid Teeth Sensitivity
One way to avoid teeth sensitivity after a deep cleaning is to look for ways to improve your current day-to-day oral care routine. In addition to brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, avoid aggressive or hard scrubbing when brushing. You should also try to avoid acidic foods and drinks, which can lead to enamel deterioration (though using a straw can help mitigate that risk, as well as drinking water after an acidic beverage). If you grind your teeth, your oral care professional can provide you with a mouthguard that can protect you from grinding down your teeth and causing sensitivity.
While the sensation of feeling sensitivity in your teeth feels uncomfortable, it’s normal to feel it after a cleaning, and it’s usually temporary. But if your symptoms last longer than a few weeks, you should contact your oral care provider to talk about your concerns.
Remember—teeth cleanings (and deep cleanings) are easy & excellent ways to maintain great oral health and prevent cavities. Even though your teeth might be sensitive after a cleaning, don’t worry. It’s normal and temporary, and soon you’ll be on your way to a healthier smile.
By paying attention to any changes in your mouth and teeth, you can spot potential warning signs of more serious health issues.
A regular visit to a dentist, at least twice a year, helps detect any problem early. It can plug a cavity and resolve a slew of other unwanted oral health conditions. Several disorders, such as tooth decay, gum diseases, tooth loss, and oral cancers, are largely preventable and can be treated if detected early.
During regular dental check-ups and cleanings, your dentist examines your mouth for any signs of trouble. But you don't have to wait until your next dental appointment to act. By paying attention to any changes in your mouth and teeth, you can spot potential warning signs of more serious health issues.
Don't ignore these symptoms:
Gum, tooth, or jaw pain: This could be a sign of mental stress, tooth decay, gum disease, or even sinus problems. Your dentist can help you identify the source and offer a focused treatment.
Bleeding gums: If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, it could be a sign of gum disease, which is more common in people with diabetes that often reduces the body's resistance to infection. This puts your gums at risk for inflammation due to the bacteria found in plaque.
Loose or lost teeth: This could be a sign of advanced gum disease or osteoporosis, which weakens bones.
Changes in tooth surfaces and enamel: Erosion or translucent enamel could be a sign of an eating disorder or acid reflux.
Bad breath: Bad breath can be caused by certain foods or dry mouth; it can also be a sign of gum disease or gingivitis.
If you notice any of these symptoms, don't ignore them.
When plaque builds up on teeth and isn’t properly removed it forms into a hard substance known as tartar. Initially, tartar above the gum line has a yellowish hue, however, if left untreated it will turn into green, brown or black tartar. Tartar below the gum line is black in color.
Causes of Black Tartar
Poor oral hygiene is often the leading cause of tartar buildup. For tartar to turn black or form below the gum line, improper brushing and flossing is usually the culprit. Additionally, certain other factors contribute to the rate of tartar formation and can turn it black; these include:
Smoking
Diets high in starch and sugar
Drinking liquids which stain such as coffee and wine
Trauma or damage to the tooth’s enamel
When tartar reaches below the gum line, referred to as subgingival tartar, it tears into the blood vessels located within the gum. When blood pigmentation and proteins mix with tartar, they turn it black.
Symptoms of Black Tartar
Signs of black tartar include:
Bad breath
Dark staining on the surface of the teeth
Loose teeth
Hard deposits on the teeth
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
If you’re experiencing black tartar on your teeth along with gum issues, it may be a sign of gum disease. If still in the early stages, you can rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to help reverse gum disease and keep your gums healthy.
Removing Black Tartar
All forms of tartar, no matter the color, should only be removed by your dentist or dental hygienist. The cleaning process your dentist will undertake is known as scaling and root planing, where black tartar is scraped off above and below the gum line. Fortunately, tartar buildup can be prevented with a few simple steps:
Brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time
If you’re prone to excessive plaque buildup it’s recommended to brush after every meal
Switch to a tartar control toothpaste with fluoride to prevent decay and buildup
Floss at least once a day to remove any food and bacteria trapped between teeth
Visit your dentist twice a year, or as recommended, for professional cleanings and checkups
Avoid tobacco products
Black tartar is often an issue for aesthetics; no one wants to have a stained smile. However, in certain cases, it can lead to gum disease. See your dentist right away to properly remove any tartar buildup so your smile stays healthy.
Most of the time, when one experiences tooth decay, it is due to poor oral hygiene practices at home, leading to infection in the tooth. Our teeth are vulnerable to infection because of the soft pulp in the center of each tooth. Neglecting your oral hygiene routine can speed up the decay process and require that you visit a dental clinic in Cranbrook for treatment. Often, there are two options for dealing with an infected tooth: root canal treatment and tooth extraction. What is the difference between the two, and which is best? Keep reading to find out.
What is a Root Canal?
Most people dread the idea of getting root canal therapy in Cranbrook, but today, this procedure is quick and painless, thanks to modern technology. Root canal therapy near you is used as a last resort before having to extract a tooth when it is infected. The purpose of a root canal is to remove the infected tissue from the tooth and restore it without extracting it.
When you visit Symmetry Dental for a root canal, our dentist will begin by numbing your tooth and its surrounding tissue using a local anesthetic. They will then drill a small access hole into your tooth to access and remove any infected or damaged pulp. Next, they will disinfect and clean the inside of your tooth. Finally, they will fill and seal the tooth with a rubber-like material before placing a dental crown over it to protect and strengthen it.
A dentist will almost always suggest a root canal over a tooth extraction, especially if you manage to catch your infection early on. Some symptoms that indicate a possible tooth infection include:
Sensitivity to hot or cold substances
Tender gums
Pain when chewing
A visible bump on your gum line
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see a dentist at a dental clinic near you. The sooner you see a dentist, the better the chances are that your tooth can be saved with root canal therapy. It is always in your best interest to keep your natural tooth in your mouth for as long as possible, as missing teeth can cause more oral health trouble down the line and lead to the need for more expensive treatments.
When is Tooth Extraction the Only Option?
No one wants to have a tooth extracted if it can be avoided, especially if it is a front tooth. However, tooth extraction may be the only option to remove decay from your mouth and protect your gums and surrounding teeth in some circumstances.
If your dentist suggests that you get a tooth extraction, you can rest assured that this is in the best interest of your overall oral health. While tooth extraction is not as common as root canal therapy, it is necessary when a tooth has become so decayed that your dentist cannot safely remove the affected tissue.
The process of tooth extraction is simpler than that of a root canal. After numbing the area, our dentist will simply use a tool to gently wiggle your tooth back and forth. Once it is loose enough, they will gently lift it out of the socket.
The Bottom Line
While both root canal therapy and tooth extraction are options for treating tooth infection, root canal therapy is the preferred choice. If this is not an option, then tooth extraction will be performed to protect your oral health. If you suspect that you have a tooth infection, speak to your dentist today.
