Are you fed up with the constant pain and discomfort of tooth and gum issues? Does it seem like there is no relief in sight?
You’re not alone. Millions of people throughout the world face these very same problems every day. Still, the best news is that many easy solutions are available to help alleviate this troubling issue. In this blog post, we will look through some causes of tooth and gum pain and treatment options so they can get relief from their suffering soon!
What Causes Painful Gums and Teeth?
Tooth and gum pain can cause a lot of discomfort and impact the quality of life of an individual. In this section, we will explore the common causes of dental pain and what you can do to alleviate it.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Poor dental hygiene habits are the most common underlying causes of this pain. Sometimes, we go to bed without brushing our teeth or skipping flossing. Over time, bacteria accumulate in the mouth, causing tooth decay and bacterial infections. Cavities and gum disease can be very painful.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can cause a sharp and intense pain that goes away quickly. It is caused by the exposure of the inner layer of the affected tooth called dentin. Various factors, such as teeth grinding, acidic drinks and gum recession, can cause this. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, it is important to use desensitising toothpaste, avoid acidic drinks and food, and visit your dentist for evaluation.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, most commonly known as gum disease, is a serious ailment that can harm our teeth’s gum tissue and bone, causing them to become loose or even fall out. Early signs of gum disease are bleeding and swelling of the gums.
Gum disease can cause loose teeth, resulting in tooth pain.
To prevent gum disease, it is critical to practise good oral hygiene habits, quit smoking, and visit your dentist twice a year for evaluation and treatment.
Tooth Infection
Tooth infections can be very painful and affect the nerves in the tooth roots. The bacteria in the cavity can penetrate the tooth pulp and cause an infection. If left untreated, this can lead to an abscess, which can cause severe pain. Practising good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly are important to prevent tooth infections.
TMJ Disorder
The TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, is a hinge joint that links your jawbone to your skull. Sometimes, this joint can be affected by a disorder called TMJ disorder. This can cause pain in the jaw, ear, and teeth. To prevent TMJ disorder, it is important to maintain good posture, avoid clenching and grinding your teeth, and avoid chewing gum.
Symptoms of Tooth and Gum Pain
This section will discuss the signs and symptoms of dental pain you should always pay attention to:
Sensitivity
It could be a sign of tooth sensitivity if you experience sudden sharp tooth pain or your gums hurt when eating hot or cold food or drinks. This common condition is often caused by enamel wear or gum recession, exposing the sensitive part of the tooth. Sensitivity can also signify a cavity or a more severe disease, such as a cracked or damaged tooth. If tooth sensitivity persists over a few days, schedule a dental appointment to check it.
Swollen or Bleeding Gums
Bleeding and swollen gums are classic signs of gum disease, and you should never ignore them. Gum disease is an infection caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth, which causes gum irritation and gums to pull away from the teeth. Advanced stages of gum disease may lead to tooth loss if not treated in time. To prevent sore gums, brush twice daily, floss daily and schedule regular dental checkups.
Jaw Pain
If you ever experience throbbing pain in your jaw when biting or chewing, it could be a sign of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). TMJ is a condition in which the jaw joint becomes inflamed and painful. In some cases, TMJ can cause headaches and neck and shoulder pain. If you doubt you may have TMJ symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will evaluate your condition and recommend the proper treatment.
Persistent Bad Breath
Bad breath is unpleasant and can be a symptom of an underlying dental condition. Chronic bad breath may be a symptom of gum disease, dry mouth or an oral infection. An excessive buildup of plaque and food particles can also cause bad breath. Regular brushing and flossing can help reduce the prevalence of bad breath. However, if your bad breath persists, it may be time to see your dentist.
Throbbing Toothache
A sudden and intense toothache that comes and goes can be a sign of a severe tooth infection or abscess. A bacterial infection in the dental pulp causes a tooth abscess. If left untreated, a spot can cause tooth loss or a serious infection that can spread to other body parts. If you have a throbbing toothache, see a dentist immediately for treatment.
Prevention of Tooth and Gum Pain
Preventing pain is essential for maintaining good oral health. Adopting a few basic habits can help keep your teeth and gums healthy for life:
Brush your teeth twice a day
Brushing your teeth helps remove bacteria, plaque, and food particles that contribute to poor oral hygiene, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Ensure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss regularly
Flossing is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health, as it can reach and remove plaque from the tight spaces between teeth and under the gums that a toothbrush cannot. To ensure your pearly whites stay healthy, it’s important to floss at least once every day.
Limit sugary foods and drinks
Eating too much sugary foods can increase the risk of cavities, which can cause tooth pain. Avoid sticky candy, soda, and other sugary treats whenever possible to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
Visit your dentist regularly
Visiting your dental professional every six months for a checkup and cleaning is important for detecting any issues early on. Your dental consultant can also provide tips to help maintain your teeth and gum health.
Quit smoking
Smoking contributes to gum disease, bad breath, and mouth cancer. Quitting smoking is an essential step in protecting your dental health as well as your overall health.
Home Remedies for Gum and Tooth Pain Relief
Here are some of the most popular home remedies for severe teeth and gums pain:
Salt Water Rinse
Swishing with salt and warm water can help reduce inflammation and soothe sore gums.
Baking Soda Rinse
Baking soda is an effective home remedy for mild toothache relief because it has antimicrobial properties that will kill bacteria in the mouth. Add a teaspoon of baking soda in water to make baking soda rinse and swish it around your mouth.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide is another effective home remedy for fighting mouth bacteria, helping prevent and reduce pain. Add a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to water and rinse your mouth twice daily.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient healing technique derived from Ayurvedic tradition that involves swishing oil in the mouth for up to 15 minutes to extract harmful toxins and alleviate discomfort. Coconut oil is often used for this practice, but other natural oils can also be utilised.
When to See a Dentist for Tooth and Gum Pain?
When it comes to teeth and gum pain, knowing when to see a dentist is important. If left untreated, tooth and gum pain can quickly worsen, leading to more serious oral health problems. The following are some common signs that it is time to see a dentist for tooth and gum pain:
- Persistent tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks.
- Swollen, bleeding, or receding gums.
- Pain in the jaw when biting or chewing.
- Bad breath persists despite proper oral hygiene habits.
- A sudden and intense throbbing toothache that comes and goes.
Treatment Options for Severe Pain
When treating severe pain, various options are available to help reduce symptoms and restore oral health. Depending on the cause of the pain, various treatments can be used to alleviate discomfort and improve overall dental health.
For instance, if the pain is caused by poor dental hygiene, regular brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dental professional for cleanings and checkups can help reduce plaque buildup and prevent gum disease.
For tooth sensitivity, special desensitising toothpaste and avoiding acidic drinks and food can help to minimise discomfort. For more serious cases of tooth sensitivity, professional treatments such as fluoride varnish and dental bonding may be necessary.
If the cause of the pain is gum disease, professional treatments like scaling and root planing can help remove plaque below the gum line. Additionally, antibiotics or mouth rinses may be prescribed to reduce bacteria levels in the mouth.
For TMJ disorder, physical therapy for the jaw muscles can help reduce inflammation and pain. Other treatments, such as night guards, medications, and stress reduction techniques, may also be recommended to manage symptoms.
Finally, antibiotics may be prescribed for tooth infections or abscesses to reduce the disease and prevent it from spreading. In some cases, a root canal treatment may need to be performed.
Conclusion
Tooth and gum pain can be managed easily if caught and treated early on. Prevention is always the best method as it is easier to prevent any issue than to try to solve it after dealing with the consequences. If your tooth or gum pain does not go away or worsens promptly—do not wait any longer and contact your dentist for an appointment: contact us at (02) 9538 7875! We are motivated to help you feel better, not just physically but also emotionally. Your visit will ensure that any dental issues will be professionally taken care of so you can continue doing what matters most—enjoying life!
References
Tooth and Gum Pain: Care Instructions
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uh3737#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20causes%20of,nervous%20grinding%20of%20your%20teeth.
Why Do My Gums Hurt?
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/treating-gum-pain
Toothache: Symptoms, Causes & Remedies
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache