Pain in your teeth is such a unique yet unpleasant feeling. The zings and throbbing that come along with a toothache are enough to make you miserable. We get it, and even though we don’t wish toothaches on anyone, the truth is, they happen. But sometimes the hardest part of treating a toothache is finding out what’s causing the pain in the first place. Reach out to our Vero Beach, FL, dental office at (772) 778-5550 to learn more about your symptoms and how our dental team can help!

A toothache is often different from other pains we experience throughout our bodies. Most of the time, we can’t see that anything is wrong with our teeth, but we sure can feel it. While it’s important to have your dentist properly diagnose the source of a toothache, here are some of the most common reasons behind tooth pain.

Cavity

A cavity is essentially a hole in the tooth. If left untreated over time, the cavity will become larger. If the cavity gets so big that it gets too close to the nerves, you will feel it. Cavities can usually be fixed through fillings, but cavities that are too big and too deep may require a root canal.

Abscess

Caused by a bacterial infection, an abscess is a pocket of pus that can pop up on different areas of our mouths. The pain is usually a throbbing type and it can move into the ears and jaw. Sometimes, an abscess also causes facial swelling or a bad taste in your mouth.

Broken Tooth

Believe it or not, you can break or chip a tooth and not know it, that is until you feel it. A broken or chipped tooth can expose the nerves and cause pain.

Clenching or Grinding

Habitually clenching your teeth when you’re stressed out or grinding your teeth at night can cause tooth pain. These habits can also lead to broken teeth as well as jaw pain. Additionally, various medical conditions such as sinus infections, mouth ulcers, or jaw problems can also lead to painful teeth.

Gum Disease

It can be difficult to tell the difference between gum pain and tooth pain, and sometimes what we think is a toothache is actually a sign of gum disease. If not treated, gum disease can progress into more serious forms and increase pain, cause tooth loss, and even lead to other problems throughout the body.

The best way to find out why your teeth hurt is to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Vero Beach. We’ll perform an in-depth examination and take any x-rays we may need to find out once and for all what’s causing your tooth pain. After we know the culprit, we’ll know exactly how to fix it.

Understanding Tooth Pain in Vero Beach, FL

Causes of Tooth Pain – Dr. Jonothan Royal Explains!

There are several potential causes of tooth pain, each with its own set of symptoms and implications:

• Tooth Decay: Bacteria in the mouth can lead to tooth decay, which is one of the most common causes of tooth pain. As the decay progresses, it can reach the inner layers of the tooth, causing significant discomfort.
• Infected Tooth: A bacterial infection in the tooth or gum can result in an abscess, leading to intense tooth pain. This condition often requires prompt dental treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
• Gum Disease: Conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis can cause inflammation and pain in the gums, which can sometimes be mistaken for tooth pain.
• Wisdom Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain as they try to emerge through the gums. This pain can radiate to other areas of the mouth and jaw.
• Sensitive Teeth: Exposed dentin or receding gums can make teeth sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli, leading to sharp, sudden pain.
• Broken Tooth: A broken or chipped tooth can expose the inner layers of the tooth, causing pain and sensitivity.
• Dental Work: Recent dental procedures, such as fillings or crowns, can sometimes cause temporary tooth pain as the tooth adjusts to the new work.

Diagnosing Tooth Pain

Diagnosing the exact cause of tooth pain requires a thorough examination by a dentist. During your visit, the dentist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and dental history. They will perform a visual examination of your teeth and gums and may take X-rays to identify any underlying issues. The American Dental Association recommends regular dental check-ups to help diagnose and treat oral health problems early on, ensuring that any issues are addressed before they become more serious.

What To Do For Toothache Pain

While you’re waiting for your dental appointment in Vero Beach, FL, there are several at-home remedies you can try to alleviate dental pain, such as:

• Rinsing With Salt Water – Mix warm water with salt, take swig, swish, spit, and repeat. This can dry out any fluid that may be putting pressure on your nerves and ease the pain. You can repeat this several times throughout the day. Warm saltwater rinses are a common home remedy that can provide relief for toothache pain by reducing inflammation and drawing out fluid that may be causing pressure on the nerves.
• Applying Ice – There’s a reason doctors recommend using ice to treat any injury — it works! Ice reduces inflammation and, in turn, can relieve any pressure on the nerves. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel directly to the outside of your cheek next to the painful area.
• Taking Anti-inflammatories – Another way to reduce inflammation is to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine. Take these as directed and if your health history allows, and never apply an anti-inflammatory medication directly on your gums or teeth.
• Using Anesthetic – The next best thing to getting your toothache treated is to temporarily numb the area through the use of an anesthetic. Pharmacies and grocery stores carry over-the-counter oral anesthetics for this exact purpose.

Depending on what’s causing your tooth pain, some of these tips may work better than others. Try a few and find what gives you the most relief. But remember, these remedies are temporary. It’s still important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment from your dentist in Vero Beach. Reach out to our dental team by calling (772) 778-5550 with any questions!

Professional Treatment

If your tooth pain persists or worsens, it’s essential to seek professional treatment from a local dentist. The dentist will assess your condition and provide a treatment plan tailored to address the underlying cause of your tooth pain. Treatment options may include:

• Dental Fillings or Crowns: These can repair damaged teeth and restore their function.
• Root Canals: This procedure treats infected teeth by removing the infected tissue and sealing the tooth.
• Extractions: Severely damaged or infected teeth may need to be removed to prevent further complications.
• Antibiotics: These can treat bacterial infections that are causing tooth pain.
• Pain Management Medication: To relieve pain and discomfort while other treatments take effect.

In severe cases, the dentist may need to perform emergency surgery to address the underlying cause of the tooth pain. It’s crucial to seek immediate attention if you experience trouble breathing, severe pain, or swelling in the face or gums.

Reach Out to Dr. Jonothan Royal Today!

Prompt dental treatment can help relieve pain and prevent more serious health issues. Luckily, our dental team is here to help explain any issues you may be experiencing in relation to your oral health. Reach out to our Vero Beach, FL, dentist to learn more about the dental services we offer by calling (772) 778-5550. We also proudly serve patients coming from Sebastian, Fort Pierce, Stuart, and the surrounding areas.