If you experience sudden tooth pain, it can be a sign of something serious. Knowing the potential causes and steps to take can help you determine the problem and get the treatment you need. Here are ten potential reasons why your teeth might suddenly start hurting and what to do about it.
10 Reasons Your Teeth Might Sudden Start Hurting—and What to Do
1. Cavities
Cavities can cause sudden pain in the teeth due to the bacteria eating away the enamel of the tooth. If you have cavities, the best course of action is to visit your dentist as soon as possible to get the cavities filled.
2. Tooth Sensitivity
If you experience sudden pain when drinking or eating something hot or cold, it could be a sign of tooth sensitivity. This can be caused by receding gums, grinding your teeth, or using a whitening product that is too strong. To treat tooth sensitivity, try using a desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash.
3. Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can cause tooth pain due to the inflammation of the gums. If you notice signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, redness, and swelling, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
4. Tooth Infection
A tooth infection can cause sudden, sharp pain in the teeth due to the buildup of bacteria in the tooth. If you think you may have a tooth infection, visit your dentist right away to get the infection treated and receive antibiotics if necessary.
5. Grinding Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth can cause pain in the teeth and jaw due to the pressure that is placed on them. If you grind your teeth, speak to your dentist about getting a mouth guard to help prevent further damage.
6. Trauma
An injury to the mouth or jaw can cause sudden pain in the teeth. If you experience pain after an injury, make sure to get it checked out by a dentist to make sure there are no other issues.
7. Abscess
An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that can form around the teeth, and it can cause severe pain. If you think you have an abscess, visit your dentist right away to get it treated.
8. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay can cause pain in the affected tooth due to the bacteria eating away at the enamel. If you suspect you may have tooth decay, visit your dentist to get, it treated.
9. Braces
Braces can cause pain in the teeth and jaw due to the pressure that is placed on them. If you have braces, speak to your orthodontist about ways to reduce the pain.
10. Dry Socket
A dry socket is a condition that occurs after a tooth extraction, and it can cause sudden, sharp pain. If you experience pain after a tooth extraction, visit your dentist right away to get it treated..
If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and get the appropriate treatment.
How to Handle Sudden Tooth Pain: A Guide to Home Treatment
Sudden tooth pain can be extremely uncomfortable and can disrupt your daily routines and activities. Fortunately, in most cases, home treatment can help to relieve the pain. This guide will provide instructions on how to handle sudden tooth pain and provide tips for home treatment.
- Take pain-relieving medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can provide temporary relief. However, it is important to be mindful and follow the dosage instructions on the package.
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. Saltwater can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. To make a saltwater rinse, mix one teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Swish the solution around your mouth and spit it out.
- Apply a cold compress. A cold compress can help to reduce swelling and provide pain relief. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables on the affected area for 15 minutes at a time.
- Use a numbing cream. OTC topical anesthetics, such as benzocaine, can be applied directly to the affected area to temporarily reduce pain. Follow the instructions on the package for application.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods. Sugary and acidic foods can aggravate tooth pain and cause further damage to the tooth. If possible, avoid these foods until you can see a dentist.
- Visit a dentist. If the pain persists or worsens after trying home treatments, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will be able to diagnose the cause of the pain and provide more effective treatment.
Sudden tooth pain can be a very uncomfortable experience, but in most cases, home treatments can provide relief. The steps outlined above can help to reduce pain and swelling and should be followed until you are able to visit a dentist. It is important to seek professional care if the pain persists after trying home treatments.
Tips from Dental Professionals
Having sudden tooth pain can be a very uncomfortable experience. Oftentimes, the pain can be so intense that it can be difficult to focus on anything else. Fortunately, there are some steps that can be taken to help alleviate the discomfort and address the cause of the pain. Here are some tips from dental professionals on what to do when you experience sudden tooth pain.
First, it is important to assess the severity of your pain. If it is a mild discomfort, then you may be able to wait until your next dental appointment to have it examined. On the other hand, if the pain is severe and unbearable, then it is best to seek medical attention right away.
Secondly, if your pain is not too severe, you can try to relieve it with over-the-counter painkillers. Ibuprofen and paracetamol are both effective at reducing the discomfort, but it is important to follow the instructions on the packaging.
Thirdly, if the pain does not go away with over-the-counter painkillers, then it is best to avoid consuming any food or beverages that are hot or cold. These can further irritate the area and cause more discomfort.
Fourthly, it is important to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and avoiding sugary or starchy foods. This will help reduce the risk of developing cavities or other dental problems that can cause pain.
Finally, if the pain persists, then it is best to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can examine the area and determine the cause of the pain and recommend the best course of action.
These are some tips from dental professionals on what to do when you have sudden tooth pain. Remember, it is always best to seek medical attention if the pain is severe. In the meantime, following these tips can help alleviate the discomfort and address the cause of the pain.