Toothaches are among the most common dental complaints that individuals all over the world experience. It’s one of the first reasons for people to visit their family dentists. It signifies pain occurring in and around a tooth which can be caused due to numerous reasons such as decay, fracture, abscessed tooth, etc. Some common symptoms include throbbing and sharp pain in the adjoining areas. Keep reading and find out the top reasons behind toothaches.
Top 5 Reasons for Toothache in Adults
- Decay
Tooth decay has the ability to reach the inner layer of the teeth, called the dentin. Any damage to it can result in your teeth becoming sensitive and, in some cases, can cause cavities to form within. If the pain you are experiencing is more of a sharp pain than an ache, chances are that the decay has reached the centre. It can result in intense pain as time passes, so care should be taken immediately. You should visit your dentist as soon as the toothache begins to prevent the matter from worsening over time.
- Orthodontic Alignment
Retainers, braces and other dental alignment systems are common reasons behind aching pain and oral discomfort. This pain, however, is fairly noticeable right after they are adjusted to tighten or move the teeth and goes away within a few days. But, if the pain persists for a longer time and makes daily tasks uncomfortable, you should discuss readjusting the appliance with your orthodontist. This helps prevent it from disrupting your daily life.
- Impacted Wisdom Tooth or Misaligned Teeth
Misaligned teeth can press against each other and push the others out of line too. This can cause severe pain. An impacted wisdom tooth that fails to erupt and remains beneath the gumline as they tend to push against the other teeth. If you think you have misaligned teeth or an impacted wisdom tooth, contact your family dentist if you haven’t already done so. You may need surgery in case of an impacted wisdom tooth and braces can be used to correct misaligned teeth.
- Tooth Abscess
When the decay in the tooth has set in and starts affecting the root, there’s a high chance that the surrounding tissue has also become infected. This results in the pulsating pain to spread out, which makes it difficult to understand exactly which one of affected. Note that it is a serious issue and should only be dealt with by an experienced professional as soon as possible. Failing to do so may result in tissue and bone loss, which is just as bad as it sounds.
- Improper Flossing and Brushing
Most individuals don’t pay much attention to how they’re flossing and brushing. They may apply more pressure than is needed, and as a result, cause more harm than good. It causes the gums to bleed and, in some cases, they may become inflamed and irritated too. If the individual uses extreme pressure over a long period of time, their gums can recede, making the teeth extremely unstable which can cause pain. Use soft-bristle brushes and consult your dentist to learn about correct brushing techniques.
Treating your Toothache at Home
If you’ve been experiencing severe toothaches, you can:
- Use over-the-counter medication, but make sure you follow instructions on the package.
- Avoid very hot and cold foods as they might make the pain worse than it already is.
- Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and bite down to relieve some of the pain.
Medical Treatments
Generally, toothaches signify a problem which should ideally be cared for by a dentist. The doctor, on seeing the condition of your teeth may administer an injection around the affected area to relieve some of the pain. If your face or gums are swollen, or if you are experiencing a fever, he/she may prescribe antibiotics.
- The dentist may perform procedures such as extractions, fillings or other ones as they may be required. An extraction is a primary choice in case of baby teeth. However, if problems with a person’s permanent teeth are severe, the dentist may recommend root canal therapy. The dentist will clean out the blood vessels and the nerves and seal off the root canals and a crown may be fitted.
- The doctor may prescribe antibiotics if there is any swelling present in the jaw or if the patient is suffering from a fever. The procedure needs to be followed in stages, with immediate care given on the pain and the infection. Afterward, reconstructive procedures are performed, depending on the severity of the problem.
A toothache may be caused by complicated or simple reasons. Whatever’s the one behind yours, remember, its best to get it treated by a professional. If left untreated, some infections can lead to life-threatening concerns and may spread throughout your body. Remember to follow up with your family dentist and visit them for regular checkups. This can help you avoid more serious issues you may otherwise have to face later.