Fix Tooth Pain and Headache

There can be many causes but experiencing throbbing tooth pain may be a sign of tooth damage.  A cavity, tooth decay, or infection to the tooth or surrounding gums can all lead to throbbing toothaches.  Other symptoms can include teeth sensitivity, pain or tenderness in the mouth, redness, swelling, sharp pain when biting, bad taste or smell in the mouth, pus, and a fever.

Toothaches can occur in both adults and children.  Patients are advised to contact a dentist immediately if they show any symptoms or signs.  In most cases, a dental exam an X-rays may be needed in order to diagnose the cause of the tooth pain.  This article will highlight eight of the most common causes of tooth pain as well as the related treatment options.

Tooth Decay:  The most common cause of tooth pain is the formation of a cavity (tooth decay) that occurs when bacteria eats through the hard outer layer of the tooth (enamel).  While bacteria are part of a normally healthy mouth and body, certain foods and excessive sugar can cause too much harmful bacteria.  These harmful bacteria form a plaque that sticks to the tooth that lead to holes or cavity formation.

TREATMENT:

  • Tooth cleaning to remove plaque
  • A filling to patch a cavity
  • Antibiotics for any infection

Tooth Abscess:  When some or all of the pulp within a tooth dies, the dead tissue forms a pocket of pus and bacteria known as an abscess.  Abscesses can be caused by tooth infection, inflammation, and untreated tooth damage.

TREATMENT:

  • Antibiotics for the infection
  • Drain and clean out the abscess
  • Gum cleaning and treatment (if abscess due to gum disease)
  • Root canal procedure (if abscess due to cracked or decayed tooth)
  • Dental implant (if abscessed tooth must be extracted)

Tooth Fracture:  Often caused by trauma or biting on something hard, tooth fractures result in a split or crack in the tooth and often lead to throbbing toothaches.  Because the fracture allows things like bacteria, food particles, air, and water to get into the tooth, irritation, infection, and pain can all occur.

TREATMENT:

  • Close the fracture with dental glue
  • Place a veneer
  • Use a filling
  • Crown or cap the tooth
  • Root canal (if infection has occurred)

Infected Gums:  Gum infection, known as gingivitis, can lead to gum disease and periodontitis and is the primary cause of adult tooth loss.  Infection can be caused by poor diet, poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetics, and certain health conditions.  When infection builds up around the tooth roots, toothaches are common.

TREATMENT:

  • Antibiotics
  • Regular dental cleanings to remove plaque
  • Medicated mouth washes
  • Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
  • Dental surgery (in severe cases)

Grinding or Clenching:  Known as bruxism, grinding or clenching often occurs during sleep and can be due to stress, over-developed jaw muscles, or genetics.  In addition to eroding away the tooth surface, grinding can also cause tooth, jaw, and gum pain and increase the risk of tooth fractures and cavities.

TREATMENT:

  • Treat the cause of the grinding/clenching (behavioral or stress therapy)
  • Wear a mouth guard when sleeping

Damaged Filling:  Because fillings are not designed to last forever, they are prone to chipping, cracking, wear, and dislodging.  When this occurs, tooth pain is likely to occur and the filling will need repair.

TREATMENT:

  • Repair or replace the filling
  • Place a crown if damage is extensive

Loose Crown:  A dental crown (cap) is a restorative tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a whole tooth that has cracked, broken, or has a cavity too large for a filling.  Because the crown is placed with an adhesive, it is possible for a crown to become loose over time due to normal use.  When this occurs, food or bacteria can become lodged underneath the crown causing irritation, infection, or pain.

TREATMENT:

  • Remove the crown to treat the underlying cavity or damage
  • Replace with a new crown

Tooth Eruption:  When new teeth grow and erupt from the gums, pain is natural.  Teeth can become impacted in the gums or grow in the wrong direction which can further contribute to discomfort.

TREATMENT:

  • Sooth the area with an oral numbing gel
  • Use pain medications like ibuprofen
  • Minor surgery (for impacted teeth)

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