Pain in Tooth
Tooth pains are actually quite an often occurrence that almost everyone will suffer from at some stage throughout their lives. Indeed, it’s something that people are so familiar with, that the aches and pains many feel are often neglected until they are really serious. With the pain in tooth and gums being an early sign of disease – it’s important to ensure that you get regular dental checkups.
Ideally, tooth pains shouldn’t happen, but they occur due to a number of reasons. From hyper-sensitive teeth to dental caries or cavities which are the result of decayed teeth, the pains can range from a mild and dull sensation to something that’s almost unbearable. While many like to think that tooth pain will resolve itself, sometimes, the only way to fix the problem is to visit a dentist.
Dentists examine teeth for signs of decay, disease and they can try and identify the problem. Indeed, tooth pain is a symptom of many tooth related illnesses / diseases such as bruxism, neuralgia, cracked teeth, exposed roots, gum disease and even jaw problems. Additionally, a pain in tooth or teeth can be the result of a non-dental problem and in some cases it’s an early warning sign of a heart attack if the sufferer has other symptoms such as pain in the chest.
Arguably however, the most common cause of pain in the teeth is without a doubt, dental cavities. These are essentially holes in the teeth which form after the outer layer of strong enamel breaks down and exposes the tooth’s inner dentine surface. When this happens holes form and bacteria / debris gets trapped in the cavities. Over time, infection can occur which for many can be extremely painful.
The good news is that preventing cavities and tooth pain is relatively easy. Good dental hygiene and dental check-ups ensuring your teeth are cleaned and descaled / debrided regularly ensures that cavities and the pains associated with them are not a problem. Dentists typically fill cavities with a special filling or alternatively a dental crown which goes on top of the affected tooth.
Gum disease is also a common factor in tooth related pains. Gingivitis is perhaps the most common form of gum disease which is actually relatively painless, however if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis which is a disease that involves the slow loss of bone around one’s teeth.
Accidents such as sports injuries are also common reasons for tooth pain. In these circumstances, it’s best to visit a dentist or emergency practitioner as soon as possible. Dentists can repair many broken teeth with crowns / veneers and the likes reducing the likelihood of complications and extensive tooth pain.
Ultimately – the pain in tooth aches and discomfort of the gums can be avoided with good hygiene and regular dental check-ups. This is vital as the removal of plaque and tartar can only be done by a dentist / dental hygienist. Without regular check-ups, dental pain and tooth aches can be a regular occurance.