Why Does Your Tooth Hurt?

21 June 2017
Categories: Dentist, Blog

If you suddenly end up with a toothache, you may find yourself wondering what happened. If you weren't aware that you had a cavity and you don't remember doing anything that could have injured one of your teeth, then it can be frustrating trying to figure out where the pain is coming from. This article will help give you some ideas on some reasons the tooth may be hurting and offer you some helpful advice.

Reasons why you may suddenly have a toothache

One of the reasons you may find your tooth aching is due to a newly developed cavity that you don't know you have. It may be small, but it may also be deep. Another possibility is that you are grinding your teeth while you sleep and you don't realize it. You may have put too much pressure on that tooth during the night and now you are feeling it in the form of a toothache. You might have an abscessed tooth, and you can generally tell if it's this by looking in the mirror at your gums. See if the gums look red or swollen. You might also see a bump near the tooth.

What to do at the onset of a tooth ache

As soon as you discover your tooth is hurting, you should make a dental appointment to get in at the next available time. While a toothache can go away on its own if it's nothing serious, it can also get a lot worse quickly. Putting off a trip to the dentist can have you finding yourself in agony in the middle of the night or over the weekend. Then, you'll have to suffer it out or find an emergency dentist, which may not be as close to your home. Plus, who wants to make that trip in the early hours of the morning or on your days off?

Things you can try at home to alleviate some of the pain

Swishing with a bit of peroxide can help relieve pain, and if it is an abscess, then it can help you get started toward fighting the problem, but you still want to go to the dentist for antibiotics. Putting a piece of clove or a piece of cotton dipped in clove oil on the hurting tooth can also help you with pain relief. You may also want to take something over the counter for pain relief until you can get in to see your dentist.

For more information, contact local professionals like those found at All About Smiles pllc.

About Me

When I was a child and teenager, I always left the dentist's office with the great feeling of having no cavities. When I went away to college out-of-state, I had to switch to a new dentist in my area. It seemed like I was suddenly getting cavities and started wonder what my new dentist "was doing wrong". When I spoke to my mother about it, she reminded me that the reason I never had cavities when I was living it home was because she always made sure my siblings and I brushed and flossed daily and didn't eat too much sugar. I then realized that my late-night study sessions drinking sugary soda and my suddenly bad brushing habits were the true causes of my cavities. I have since learned a lot more about dental health I am eager to share with anyone who needs the advice!