If you notice pain when you bite or touch your tooth, it could be a sign that something is wrong. You may need treatment to relieve the pain and possibly address the underlying causes as well.
A number of possible factors can cause toothache.
Cavities
Basically, a decay in your tooth is often responsible for this type of pain and sensitivity. Bruises usually develop before you feel or see any obvious symptoms.
The dentist will likely recommend one of the following treatments for caries, depending on the severity of the caries and whether it has reached the core of the tooth.
.Filling
.Crowns
.Root canal treatment
Malocclusion
The way your teeth meet when your jaws come together is called occlusion. Your teeth may wear out because they don’t fit together properly, or it may cause pain in your teeth or even in your jaw when you bite. This is called malocclusion.
Bite problems may require a variety of potential treatments, including orthodontics. Once the specific biting problem has been identified, your dentist can talk to you about options to improve the alignment of your teeth, which may include shaving a tooth or a set of braces to improve your bite.
In some cases, a tooth that is causing problems with your bite may need to be veneered, replaced or removed.
Tooth Injury
You may not even realize that your tooth is cracked until you feel a sharp pain when you bite and stop biting. The pain may go away quickly or come and go when you quit.
Other symptoms of a cracked tooth include feeling like something is stuck between your teeth (even if it’s not) and pain when eating and drinking. However, some people experience no symptoms at all.
Periodontitis
The advanced serious infection of the gums that starts with inflammation called gingivitis is called periodontitis. This can cause pain, especially if you’re already living with other inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
You can experience:
.Red, tender or bleeding gums
.Plaque formation
.Halitosis
.Pain
.Indented gums or exposed root
Gum recession is a type of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. When your gums begin to recede from your teeth, it exposes more of the tooth surface and may even expose part of the root. This can make your tooth very sensitive and even painful to touch. It is more common in adults over the age of 40.
Treatment may begin with scaling and root straightening to remove plaque and calculus. But there are several different types of surgery your dentist may recommend, including bone grafting or flap surgery, which involves lifting your gums for a deep clean.
Nasal or Sinus Congestion
The roots of your upper teeth are very close to your sinuses, so any extra pressure, congestion or infection in that area may be responsible, especially if you have not one but several teeth aching.
This pain is also called sinus toothache and is usually felt in the upper back teeth near the sinuses.
Nasal or sinus congestion may be short-lived, but it can certainly be painful while it persists. Home remedies can relieve congestion and the pressure it creates. Some include:
.Using a humidifier
.Applying a warm compress
.Taking a steam shower
.Salt water spray
Most sinus infections get better on their own, but antibiotics may be needed in some cases.
Loose Fill or Crowns
A loose filling or crown can cause some pain when you bite. When a filling is loose, bacteria can seep under it and irritate your tooth and possibly your nerve.
The most likely fix is a new filling or crown. While you wait for a new filling or crown, your dentist may recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If the crown or filling falls off, call your dentist immediately.
Pulp Necrosis
Damage or death of the pulp tissue inside your tooth (pulp necrosis) can also cause pain. But that’s not the only possible sign. In the early stages, your tooth may also be very sensitive to heat, cold and very sweet foods, so you may feel a slight pain when eating.
If your dentist finds that the pulp tissue inside your tooth is dead, you may need a root canal and crown. It is also possible for him to tell you that you need to have your tooth extracted.
Abscess
An infection in your tooth can spread and threaten more tissue. It can even lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection. Your dentist will likely drain the abscess and clean the affected area. Depending on the severity of the situation, root canal treatment or tooth extraction may be required. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection.
Broken Tooth
Treatment for a cracked tooth can vary depending on where and how badly it is broken. Small cracks are usually repaired, but large cracks or cracks that extend down to the gum line may require tooth extraction.
Indented Gums
Your dentist will closely examine your gums to see if an infection has taken hold. If so, you may need to take antibiotics, use an antibiotic mouthwash, or apply antibiotic gel to your gums.
In severe cases, your dentist may recommend flap surgery or graft some tissue to help the gums regrow.
When Should You See the Dentist?
Toothache can often be a sign of a larger problem with your teeth or gums. If you don’t address it right away, the pain may get worse. Or you may need to have extensive dental treatment or risk losing your tooth. If you notice some pain, be sure to consult your dentist.
