A sudden bout of tooth pain can be debilitating, and may also cause you to worry about what the problem is and what the treatment may be. When you have a toothache, it is essential to seek treatment straight away to help stop the cause and relieve the pain. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons for sudden toothache, and what the potential treatments may be.
Dental Decay or Cavities
One of the most common causes of sudden tooth pain is decay. Decay happens when bacteria build up in the mouth, creating increased acid. This acid can erode the tooth enamel over time, leading to weak spots that can eventually penetrate through to the more sensitive areas of the tooth. This can cause sharp, severe pain as well as an overall throbbing sensation.
When dealing with decay, your dentist is likely to numb the area, clean it, and fix the problem with a filling to help restore the damage. Of course, more complex dental decay may require other solutions, including root canal fillings, crowns, or even tooth extraction.
Gum Disease
Another leading cause of sudden tooth pain is gum disease. This is where the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth becomes sore and inflamed. You can reduce the chances of getting gum disease by having a regular oral hygiene routine that includes daily brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.
When gum tissue becomes inflamed, over time it can cause the gums to recede. This exposes more of the sensitive parts of the tooth, such as the roots, and makes them prone to pain.
Early signs of gum disease include a red color to the gums, as well as blood when brushing. It is essential to see a dental professional as soon as possible to prevent the disease from progressing.
Tooth Abscess
One of the signs of a tooth abscess, aside from sudden pain, is a swollen pus-filled area on the gum.
Tooth abscesses may be the result of an impacted tooth, gum disease, or decay. You can help prevent tooth abscesses by following a regular oral hygiene routine.
A tooth abscess is an infection in the gum that requires treatment. Your dentist will be able to assess your condition, and you may be required to take antibiotics to heal the infection.
Dental Trauma
If you have recently experienced an injury to your mouth or teeth, it could be a reason for experiencing sudden tooth pain. Cracks, chips, or sudden misalignment can lead to worse problems if left untreated, so it is important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible after an injury.
Teeth Grinding
Many of us grind our teeth without being aware of it, especially at night. Unfortunately, this can be a reason for experiencing tooth pain. Your dentist will be able to take a close look at your teeth to see whether you grind them and provide you with an effective treatment. This may include wearing a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
During early adulthood, teeth may appear at the back of the gums, known as wisdom teeth. Sometimes, wisdom teeth do not fully emerge from the gum, and this can cause inflammation and swelling in the gum, and can be a cause of sudden pain in the mouth.
Impacted wisdom teeth are a common problem, and extraction may be needed to stop the pain and prevent further problems.
Seeking Help for Sudden Tooth Pain
The throbbing of tooth pain can stop us in our tracks and is usually a sign of an underlying problem. Rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own, it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. This will get you on the path to being pain-free and preventing the likelihood of pain and dental problems in the future.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or a dental emergency, our team is here to help. Contact your dentist in Vancouver today!
