While occasional discomfort in your teeth, mouth, or jaw might seem manageable, tooth pain is often a sign that something more serious is going on. Cavities, gum disease, infections, or even issues with the jaw can all trigger pain, and understanding the cause is the first step to finding relief.
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Tooth pain can turn even the simplest daily tasks into a real challenge. Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing sensation, discomfort in your teeth can make eating, talking, and even concentrating difficult. In fact, 41.3 million adults, or one in four, have reported experiencing oral pain just within the last year.
At Dental Depot, we take your tooth pain seriously, no matter what’s causing it. We know that an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are key to relieving your tooth pain and preventing future problems, so you’ll find state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, a full staff of dental professionals, and comprehensive dental care services at all of our DFW metro area locations. Whether you need a filling, a mouthguard, or an extraction, we can treat just about any source of tooth pain right here in our office, making it easy and convenient to get treatment that fits both your budget and your schedule.
Toothaches occur when a tooth or the surrounding oral tissues are damaged, inflamed, or infected. They can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, often signaling an underlying issue that needs attention.
While there are many reasons for tooth pain, only a dentist can determine the exact cause and most appropriate treatment plan. Here are some of the most common types of tooth pain.
Dull, persistent pain is one of the most common types of tooth discomfort. While it may not be as sharp or intense as other kinds of pain, it can still be hard to ignore. This type of pain can stem from a variety of factors. For some, it’s a result of grinding their teeth, often unknowingly, while for others, it could be as simple as a piece of food lodged between the teeth or gums.
Throbbing pain in a tooth is often a sign that the roots are infected, which means the inner part of the tooth has been affected by bacteria. This type of pain usually doesn’t go away on its own. When the roots are infected, the problem lies deep within the tooth, and it can quickly get worse if not treated.
In many cases, a root canal is the solution. This procedure removes the infected tissue inside the tooth, cleans the area, and seals it to prevent further issues.Â
Sharp, stabbing pain in a tooth can be very sudden and intense, making it hard to focus on anything else. This type of pain often feels like a jolt and can catch you off guard while eating or even while simply breathing in cold air.
One of the most common causes of sharp pain is tooth decay. When a cavity forms, it creates a hole in the tooth’s protective enamel. As the decay worsens, it exposes the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, causing sharp, electric-like pains.
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks can be especially frustrating when it interrupts the things you love most like a sip of coffee or bite of ice cream.
This kind of sensitivity can come from several sources, including gum disease, tooth decay, and even grinding your teeth, often while you sleep, which can wear down the enamel over time, leading to similar sensitivity.Â
Pain when biting down is a clear sign that something isn’t quite right. This type of discomfort often points to a deeper issue within the tooth or surrounding structures. The pain may only appear when pressure is applied, like while chewing, but it can quickly interfere with daily activities if left untreated.
One common cause of pain when biting is a tooth fracture. Even small cracks can create significant discomfort, especially when the tooth is stressed by biting or chewing. In other cases, the pain could be linked to an infection in the tooth. Both conditions require prompt attention from a dentist.
If you’re experiencing pain along your jawline, it could be a sign of an issue with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ problems can lead to discomfort not only in the jaw but also in the head, neck, and ears.
One common cause of jaw pain is nighttime teeth grinding, a habit that many people aren’t even aware they have. If you wake up in the morning with a dull headache, sore jaw, or both, it could be a sign that you’re grinding your teeth while you sleep. Over time, this can put strain on the jaw joint, leading to more persistent pain.
To help prevent further damage, your dentist may recommend a custom-made mouth guard to wear at night.Â
Another cause of pain in the jaw could be the eruption of your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are third molars that come in around the ages of 17 and 21. For most people, there simply isn’t room in their mouths for these third molars, so the teeth are unable to erupt above the gumline properly, causing pain, pressure, and swelling in the jaw and extraction is necessary to relieve the pain and prevent infection.
Swelling and pain at the base of a tooth could be a sign of a tooth abscess, which is a serious infection that forms when bacteria enter the tooth’s root. Along with the pain, you might notice red, swollen gums and the discomfort can become more intense when chewing or putting pressure on the tooth.
An abscess is not something to ignore. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth or even into the jaw, leading to more severe health issues. If you notice swelling or pain near the base of your tooth, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible for proper treatment.
Depending on the source and severity of your tooth pain, you may be able to treat it or at least relieve your discomfort with some home remedies, such as:Â
A cold compress or ice pack can make tooth pain more manageable. Holding it against the outside of your mouth, right where you’re feeling the discomfort, for a few minutes at a time can offer some much-needed relief.
The cold works by constricting the blood vessels in the area, which slows blood flow and helps reduce swelling and inflammation. While it won’t solve the underlying problem, it can help ease the pain until you’re able to see your dentist for treatment.
Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater is another simple remedy that can help ease tooth pain. The saltwater helps to loosen any debris that might be lodged between your teeth or in cavities, and it can also reduce swelling in your gums.
To do it, mix about half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds, and spit. It’s a gentle way to clean the area and reduce discomfort until you can get professional care.
Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful for relieving tooth pain, especially if it’s accompanied by a headache or general discomfort. These medications reduce inflammation and ease pain, making it easier to get through the day until you can see your dentist.
However, it’s important to be mindful of who is taking the medication. For kids under 16, avoid giving aspirin. Instead, stick to child-friendly alternatives and always follow dosage recommendations.
It’s important to note that teeth are unable to heal themselves, so if the cause of your tooth pain is something like a cavity, an infection, or damage, it won’t go away on its own without professional dental treatment. It could even get worse if you don’t take care of it.
While home remedies can help provide temporary relief, they’re not a permanent solution. If your toothache lasts for more than two days, it’s important to seek professional care. Persistent pain could be a sign of something more serious, such as an infection, abscess, or gum disease. If left untreated, these issues can lead to more severe problems like tooth loss or the spread of infection.
We know that persistent tooth pain can get in the way, and we’re prepared to deliver the best dental care possible to resolve the problem and relieve your pain. Whether you’re a current patient or are brand new to the Dental Depot family, we have the flexible scheduling, variety of payment options, and selection of locations necessary to get you taken care of quickly so you can get back to your busy life. From same-day, emergency, and Saturday appointments to an office in your neighborhood, Dental Depot of DFW is here when tooth pain tries to take over.Â
If you or a family member is suffering from tooth pain, schedule an appointment with Dental Depot of DFW today so you can start feeling better.
