Whether it is dull and achy or constant and sharp, tooth pain is tough. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon, including in Indiana. We frequently see individuals who are suffering from some sort of oral pain and are hoping to find a solution to stop it. In most cases, the fix is something we can do in our office or a suggestion we can share for implementing in your at-home routine. However, the first step is simply discovering what is causing the pain. There are several factors that can create a painful bite, and, in some cases, multiple situations create super soreness. Here are a few common problems, as well as some ways we can go about treating them. If you feel that any of them are relevant to you, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to set up an appointment for further investigation.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity isn’t just limited to your skin and feelings, it can also be a factor in your dental health. If your teeth seem to hurt when you consume hot or cold food and beverages, sensitivity might be what’s at play. Chances are pretty likely that your sensitivity is caused from worn-down enamel. This decay can be caused from too much exposure to acidic snacks or simply brushing too hard or with the wrong type of toothbrush. Often, switching over to a sensitivity-friendly toothpaste can make a significant difference in the pain patients feel. If that doesn’t seem like a practical option, avoiding the food and drinks that trigger sensitivity can be eliminated from your diet as another option.
Cavities
Cavities are another common cause of pain among our patients. These spots form when patients neglect proper oral hygiene or expose their mouths to treats and beverages that are high in sugar, acid, or other damaging ingredients. Over time, teeth wear away, and without a protective barrier, they are exposed to the environment and more susceptible to sharp pain. Treatment for cavities depends on the severity of the situation. In many cases, sealing or filling the cavity area takes care of the problem and reduces soreness. In more extreme examples, an extraction and optional replacement or a crown to top off the damaged area will be the best choice.
Wisdom Teeth And Other Changes
Once your teeth are fully developed, even a small shift in alignment can lead to great pain. A common example of this aching action happens when wisdom teeth make their appearance at the back of the mouth. This mostly happens among young adults, but it can happen later in life as well. As your wisdom teeth debut, they push through your gums and force surrounding teeth to move in an accommodating way. Most of the time, the best solution to avoid this painful push is to extract wisdom teeth altogether. Because these teeth are merely back ups, there is no need to replace them.