What Are Common Causes Of Tooth Pain?
If you have tooth pain, it might be that you bit down too hard, or got something stuck between your teeth. However, there are other causes of tooth pain to consider:
- Tooth decay, or cavities, is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that lives in our mouths when we do not properly care for our oral hygiene. This is damage to the enamel on your teeth that is permanent. Excessive snacking or sugary drink consumption, without adequate brushing and flossing, can lead to these tiny holes in the surface of your teeth.
- Infected gums are another risk of poor regular dental hygiene. This is an infection of the mouth that causes damage to the gum and jaws. Signs include red, swollen, and tender gums. Professional cleaning is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading. Dr. Martin may also prescribe an antibacterial rinse to be used daily to treat the infection and prevent spreading.
- A damaged tooth filling or a tooth fracture can result from biting down hard. A dentist would be able to replace the filling, or by preparing a dental cap or crown.
- An abscess of the tooth is a pocket of pus, caused by a bacterial infection. Can be the result of an untreated cavity. Symptoms include a fever. Treatment for an abscess is necessary and can potentially be life-saving.
What Are At-Home Remedies I Can Try?
- Try a cold compress over your face or jaw, where it corresponds to the site of pain, for 15-20 minutes. A cold compress or bag of ice can be useful in reducing inflammation and interrupting pain signals from the injury site to your brain. This may be especially helpful if you are trying to go to sleep.
- You can also try over-the-counter pain medication from a pharmacy or superstore, such as Advil or Tylenol. Please make sure to read the advised dosage on the container. Remember that Advil (ibuprofen) is also an anti-inflammatory, whereas Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a pain medication only.
- A salt water rinse would have helpful antibacterial properties that can help with inflammation and prevent infection. Consider a salt water rinse once in the morning, and once before bedtime. Be careful to spit out all the salt water.
- Hydrogen peroxide is proven to be helpful against gum infections and periodontitis. For safety and convenience, consider a mouthwash formulated with hydrogen peroxide instead of experimenting at home.
- Drinking peppermint tea or applying peppermint tea bags directly to the pain site may be helpful. Peppermint tea has antibacterial and antioxidant properties and may help numb the injury.
When Should I Seek Professional Help For My Tooth Pain?
Though there are at-home remedies to try, your orthodontic health is not something to be taken lightly, especially if you are also experiencing fever, swelling of the face or jaw, or may have potentially injured a tooth. If you are experiencing tooth pain or concerned about your dental health, and need guidance and professional attention, consider Dr. Martin and the team at Waco Dental. Call and schedule a consultation today!
