Jaw pain and tooth pain are frequent concerns. There are a lot of conditions that cause pain. For example, some acute pain comes from experiencing pressure and hot or cold stimuli.
The pain gets worse as the inflammation spreads further. It could apply to the ear, the face, or the jaw.
The following signs and symptoms may prompt you to seek medical attention:
- Discomfort when eating in the teeth or jaw
- Headaches
- Feelings of heat or cold when eating or breathing in air
- Foods that are sour or acidic may also irritate you.
- Bleeding or drainage from the gums or the area around a tooth
- Swelling in your jaw or around a tooth
- Trauma or injury to the area
- Poor breathing
- Fever
- Unpleasant aftertaste
- Enlarged glands
Many symptoms may indicate to you that it may be something serious. Now that you know the signs to look out for, here are ways to tell where the pain is coming from:
Causes of Toothaches
1. Dental cavity
Having a cavity is the primary reason for toothaches. Tooth decay results from the formation of holes in the tooth’s hard surface. It can cause the dental pulp to become inflamed.
Dental pain, infection, and tooth extraction are all consequences of untreated cavities. In addition, cavities can occur in people of any age, so children must learn good habits.
The good news is there are steps you can take to prevent cavities. Dental hygiene practices will keep your mouth healthy. So, don’t forget to brush, floss, and get regular check-ups to avoid tooth decay.
2. Sensitivity to Temperature
Another factor that contributes to toothaches is sensitivity to heat and cold. Cold beverages and hot foods can all make your teeth hurt or ache. At times it may feel challenging for you to eat.
Bring this issue to your dentist’s attention if you notice it. The problem could be minor tooth sensitivity. Yet, it could also indicate something more serious.
Your dentist may recommend specialized toothpaste or other remedies to relieve the pain. You should be able to eat your food without discomfort, so don’t delay making an appointment with your dentist.
3. Infected Tooth
A dental infection may be a significant problem. The soft tissue of a tooth’s inner canal can get infected due to decay or trauma. Such an infection might endanger both your health and your teeth if it is not treated.
Worse case, your bloodstream could become infected and carry a virus throughout your body. So, head to the dentist if you feel a tooth is infected. Otherwise, it can result in more pain and other issues in your mouth.
4. Bruxism
The medical word for teeth grinding that generally occurs while asleep is bruxism. Bruxism entails having a sore jaw when you wake up. Significant tooth wear is also a warning symptom of bruxism.
Chronic discomfort, TMD, and tooth loss can result from unchecked bruxism. The good news is that you can manage it and experience less pain.
Getting a night guard for tooth pain can help tremendously. If you have bruxism, a night guard may prevent future grinding. Check in with your dentist to see the best ways to combat teeth-grinding pain.
5. Tooth Breakage
When your tooth gets harmed or broken, it can fracture. For example, direct stress to the tooth from an accident, an injury, or even from biting down on hard foods can result in tooth fractures.
Some tooth fractures progress slowly, so you may not recognize that you have one. Many people compare their symptoms to throbbing tooth pain that comes and goes. So, if this sounds like something you experience, then a trip to the dentist is in order.
Tooth fractures also cause pain when something enters the crack. When the pulp gets irritated, you experience pain and inflammation in the mouth.
The following may cause pain when you have a tooth fracture:
- Bacteria
- Food crumbs
- Water
- Air
6. Tooth Eruption
No one wants to experience a tooth eruption, but wisdom teeth are usually to blame when this happens.
It’s typical to experience pain from wisdom teeth. Pain ensues when they erupt through the gum line and press against the developing teeth.
You want to ensure your tooth isn’t impinging any neighboring teeth throughout its eruption phase. So, you should contact your dentist for a checkup if you have wisdom teeth.
Conclusion
Experiencing tooth pain can make you feel worried. But the majority of the problems mentioned above are preventable. You can treat any toothache by maintaining cleanliness. Avoiding destructive behaviors like teeth grinding can also prevent pain. Last but not least, visiting your dentist frequently can aid in the prevention of tooth problems.
