Causes and Treatments for Tooth Pain
We all get toothache now and then, but when pain comes back repeatedly, it may start to disrupt a person’s life and play on their mind. In this article, our dentists will be exploring some possible causes of tooth pain and toothache, and touching on the treatment options available at your North Sydney dentist to get you feeling better again.
The most common cause is tooth decay
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria turn to acid in the mouth, and eat away at the surface of our teeth. These bacteria become highly acidic when they interact with sugar, and particularly if a person has a dry mouth.
As your dentist Neutral Bay sees frequently, this can result in cavities or caries which expose the inner areas of our teeth below the enamel. The very centre of the tooth contains the most sensitive section, the pulp, and with less protection, this will be more sensitive to hot and cold, and lasting irritation.
Other common causes of tooth pain
A tooth abscess is a highly painful type of tooth pain, a build-up of pus that results from a bacterial infection. A tooth abscess is a very serious issue and requires a trip to an emergency dentist in North Sydney to prevent the infection from spreading. It may also come with signs of infection, such as fever and swollen glands or gums.
A tooth fracture or crack is another common cause of pain. This can occur during an acute dental trauma, but it isn’t always that obvious. It can occasionally develop slowly, making it hard to detect.
Habits including tooth grinding and tooth clenching can cause pain by eroding the surface of the teeth and exposing the sensitive areas beneath. If this is the cause teeth may also change shape or become smaller.
If your teeth are crowded or misaligned, they may put pressure on each other and on the tooth roots, resulting in tooth pain. This type of pain may also be associated with bite problems and with a sore jaw. Similarly, wisdom teeth eruption or the eruption of other teeth in children and teenagers can result in pain.
How is tooth pain fixed?
The best way of stopping tooth pain is to focus on prevention with the help of your Neutral Bay dental clinic. However, it is often too late. Dental pain can be a wake-up call that we need to take our oral health seriously, even when there are no issues bothering us at the time.
The correct solution for your tooth pain will depend on the cause of the pain. In the case of a cavity, dental fillings will often be the correct solution.
If an abscess or infection has occurred, then antibiotics may be necessary. If the centre of the tooth has ‘died’, then a root canal treatment may be necessary at a dentist near me.
To prevent future issues from developing your dentist may have to undertake a thorough tooth cleaning, removing built-up plaque to help reduce gum irritation and tooth decay.
To get to the bottom of your dental pain and find a lasting solution, contact your local Neutral Bay dental surgery, Dental Sanctuary, today on 02 9100 0332 or info@dentalsanctuary.com.au.
