Did you know that the bacteria actively growing in your mouths is one of the major factors for tooth decay and gum disease? Although gum disease may not cause tooth pain, it is a contributing factor that will weaken your teeth and even jaw bone causing tooth pain. Although regular brushing, flossing, rinsing, and visits to your dentists at Padonia Dental Associates in Cockeysville, MD, twice a year could help keep tooth pain at bay, it helps to know its common causes as well:

A Decayed Tooth

This is the most common cause of tooth pain in both young and adults. A decayed tooth could be the result of years of neglect allowing the acid formed by the plaque bacteria to destroy the enamel of your teeth. This causes progressive mineral loss resulting in pain from the pulp.

A Damaged Tooth

Decay isn’t the only thing that could damage a tooth. Damage could likewise happen due to carelessness or an accident. This results in a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth. If left untreated, this can quickly progress to a decayed tooth.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

This is pain associated with the joint connecting your lower jaw to your skull allowing you to talk and eat. The additional stress on the jaw muscle will result in tooth pain. Warm compression can help ease this tooth pain, but it requires immediate attention from your dentist.

Tooth Sensitivity

This pain is commonly associated with some dental care products that penetrate the teeth or damage to the teeth. Some over-the-counter whitening agents, for example, could result in tooth sensitivity pain.

Common Home Remedies for Tooth Pain

• Take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Rest with your head and elevate it to prevent blood from rushing to it and intensifying the pain.
• Keep away from acidic food or drinks, which could act as a trigger for the pain.
• Use a mouthwash to rinse your teeth to numb the pain and disinfect it at the same time. You can also try rinsing with a saltwater solution.
• Place an ice pack on the painful side of the face to dull the pain.

Professional Care for Tooth Pain

You may feel better the morning after using home remedies. However, there are instances wherein you must visit your Cockeysville dentist in the soonest possible moment. These situations include:

• Over-the-counter medication does not relieve pain.
• The pain is accompanied by the swelling of your gums or your face.
• Your teeth got broken or knocked out because of an injury.
• You feel when you open your mouth widely.
• The pain extends to your jaw and ear.
• You have difficulty swallowing because of the pain.

For Dental Emergencies or Advice on Oral Care, Call Us

Dial (410) 560-1400 to set up a consultation with one of the dentists here at Padonia Dental Associates in Cockeysville, MD.