Dealing with Severe Tooth Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Tooth pain can be an annoying and disruptive experience, especially if it comes on suddenly and severely. Often, tooth pain can be a symptom of more serious dental problems that require treatment. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, seeing your dentist as soon as possible is essential. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common causes of severe tooth pain and how they can be addressed. 

 

Causes of Severe Tooth Pain 

 

Cavities

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is a common cause of tooth pain. Cavities are holes in the teeth caused by bacteria eating away at the tooth enamel. When left untreated, cavities can progress deeper into the tooth, causing severe pain. Tooth decay can cause a range of symptoms, including sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, pain when pressure is applied to the tooth, and visible holes or pits in the teeth. You can prevent cavities by practising good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting a dentist for regular checkups. 

 

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of tooth pain. When the bacteria in your mouth convert food into acid, it can dissolve the enamel and expose the soft tissue beneath. This can lead to dental decay, which can cause severe tooth pain, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold foods. To prevent tooth decay, practise good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice daily and flossing once daily. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth, and avoid sugary and acidic foods. 

 

Gum Disease

Gum disease is another common cause of tooth pain. It is caused by bacteria that irritate the gum tissue around your teeth, leading to inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. Gum disease can cause severe tooth pain, bone loss, and tooth loss if left untreated. To prevent gum disease, brush and floss regularly, get regular dental checkups, and avoid smoking.

 

Tooth Abscesses

A tooth abscess is an infected tooth caused by a bacterial infection in the dental pulp. The dental pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected, it can cause severe pain and discomfort, often described as throbbing pain. Other symptoms of a tooth abscess include swelling, redness, and fever. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can lead to more severe issues, so it’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible to get the proper treatment, which may include root canal therapy. 

 

Tooth Fractures

A tooth fracture occurs when a tooth is cracked, chipped, or broken. Tooth fractures can be caused by various things, including dental trauma, a hard blow to the mouth, or biting down on something hard. Symptoms of a tooth fracture can vary. Still, common ones include pain when pressure is applied to the tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, and pain when biting or chewing. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment may involve bonding, a crown, root canal treatment, or even tooth removal. Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can also be a cause of severe pain. As wisdom teeth emerge, they can cause pain and pressure in the jaw. They may become impacted or improperly aligned, leading to discomfort, infection, and other dental problems. Removing wisdom teeth that are causing discomfort is a common procedure. 

 

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth can also cause significant pain. A tooth can crack for various reasons, including biting hard objects or grinding teeth during sleep. A cracked tooth requires immediate dental attention since it can expose its nerves and lead to infection. 

 

Tooth Trauma

Tooth trauma is another common cause of tooth pain. A sports injury, car accident, or other impact on the mouth can cause dental trauma. This can cause a tooth fracture or dislocation, leading to severe tooth pain and sensitivity. See a dentist if you have experienced tooth trauma as soon as possible. Your dentist can evaluate the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate treatment, such as a root canal, tooth removal or dental restoration. 

 

Symptoms of Severe Tooth Pain

 

Sharp, Stabbing Pain

If you are experiencing sudden sharp, stabbing pain in a tooth, it could be a sign of decay or a bacterial infection in your tooth.

The dental pulp, or the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels can become inflamed and infected. This type of pain should not be ignored; you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

Depending on the severity, the dentist may recommend a root canal treatment, tooth removal, or other solutions to alleviate the pain. 

 

Throbbing Pain

Throbbing tooth pain is another common symptom of severe tooth pain. This pain can be a sign of tooth decay, gum disease, or an infected tooth. Sometimes, you may also feel a pulsing sensation in your jaw. To remedy this type of pain, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is crucial. The dentist may recommend a root canal treatment, tooth extraction, or antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. 

 

Prolonged Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Temperatures

If you experience prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures when eating or drinking could be a sign of tooth decay or periodontal disease. It’s important to address these issues before they worsen, as untreated dental problems can lead to more severe issues such as a cracked tooth or dental trauma. Your dentist may recommend fluoride toothpaste or other treatments to improve oral health and prevent further decay. 

 

Pain When Chewing

If you experience pain when biting or chewing, it could be a sign of a cracked or abscessed tooth. This type of pain should be addressed promptly to prevent further infection. The dentist may suggest root canal therapy or extraction, depending on the severity of the problem. In some cases, dental trauma may also cause pain when chewing, which could require additional treatment. 

 

 

Treatment Options for Severe Tooth Pain 

 

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help if your tooth pain is not too severe. These can be bought at any pharmacy or drugstore and are effective against dental problems like tooth decay and periodontal disease. Fluoride toothpaste can also help reduce mild tooth pain. 

 

Prescription Medication

For severe tooth pain, prescription medication may be required. Your dentist may prescribe stronger pain medication, antibiotics to fight off bacterial infections, or special rinses to reduce inflammation. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully and take all medication as directed. 

 

Root Canal Therapy

If tooth pain is caused by an infected tooth, root canal therapy may be necessary. Root canal treatment is a procedure that involves removing the infected dental pulp from the root canal of the tooth. This can help relieve pain and save the tooth from extraction. After the procedure, a crown or filling is usually placed to provide additional protection. 

 

Extraction

If the tooth is damaged beyond repair, extracting it may be the best solution. This may be necessary if the tooth has a severe fracture, has suffered dental trauma, or is causing infection to adjacent teeth. After extraction, your dentist may suggest a bridge, denture or dental implant to replace the missing tooth. It’s crucial to note that tooth removal will not prevent tooth decay or periodontal disease, so proper oral hygiene practices must continue. 

 

Tips for Preventing Severe Tooth Pain 

 

Brush and floss regularly

Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, common causes of severe tooth pain. By brushing twice daily and flossing daily, you can remove plaque and food particles that accumulate between your teeth and gum lines. This will help keep your teeth and gums healthy, reducing the likelihood of dental problems that can lead to severe tooth pain. 

 

Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugary foods and drinks can cause dental decay and bacterial infection, leading to severe tooth pain. Acidic drinks such as fruit juice and soda can erode your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay. To prevent dental problems and severe tooth pain, limiting your sugary foods and drinks is best. 

 

Visit your Dentist Regularly

Regular visits to your dentist can help detect dental problems early, preventing severe tooth pain and avoiding costly dental treatments. Your dentist can identify any issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or dental trauma, and provide appropriate treatment before it causes severe tooth pain. Furthermore, your dentist can recommend preventative measures, such as fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, to help keep your teeth healthy. 

 

Protect your Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can cause severe tooth pain if they become impacted and infected. Keeping your wisdom teeth clean and free from food particles is essential. Furthermore, it would be best to monitor any signs of wisdom teeth problems, such as swelling, pain, or difficulty opening your mouth. If you experience severe tooth pain, see your dentist immediately. 

 

Take Care of any Dental Problems

Ignoring dental problems can lead to severe tooth pain and require root canal treatment or removal. If you experience tooth pain, seek dental care as quickly as possible. Your dentist can diagnose the underlying problem and provide the appropriate treatment. Ignoring dental pain will only lead to more severe and potentially costly dental problems. 

 

Conclusion

Severe tooth pain is not something to ignore. It can be a sign of an underlying dental problem that requires professional dental treatment. Many dental issues, including decay, gum disease, and trauma, can cause severe tooth pain. Seeking relief from severe tooth pain can indicate more significant dental and other health problems. Dental visits twice yearly are essential to maintaining good oral health and preventing tooth pain. Remember, prevention is always better than cure for dental problems. Contact our professional and experienced dentists at Port Macquarie Dental Centre on (02) 6105 9853 if you suffer from tooth pain to get the best advice. 

 

 

References

Oral Analgesics for Acute Dental Pain
https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/oral-analgesics-for-acute-dental-pain 

Antibiotics for Dental Pain and Swelling Guideline (2019)
https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/evidence-based-dental-research/antibiotics-for-dental-pain-and-swelling