Are you part of the 36% of the population that suffers from dental anxiety? If so, you’ve probably been guilty of feeling teeth pain and brushing it under the rug, hoping it will go away on its own.
Depending on your issue, however, your tooth problems could be indicative of a more serious issue. Keep reading to learn about the different types of tooth pain so you have a better idea of what’s normal and when it’s time to visit the dentist.
Your mouth will thank you for it!
Teeth Sensitivity
Do your teeth tend to hurt only when you’re eating or drinking something very hot or very cold? If so, you’re probably suffering from teeth sensitivity, which is one of the most common causes of tooth pain.
In most cases, the pain should go away quickly, as soon as you stop eating or drinking the item that caused the pain. While it is common, it can still be serious, as it could be a sign of weakened enamel or even tooth decay. Your dentist can recommend a new toothpaste that may be able to help combat sensitivity.
Minor Ache
A dull ache in your gums or along your jaw is another common tooth issue. Often, it’s a result of something simple, like a piece of food stuck between your teeth.
However, if after brushing and flossing it still doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of something more serious. If the dull ache doesn’t go away after a day or two, schedule an appointment with your dentist to investigate further.
Sharp Pain
Have you ever taken a bite of something and instantly felt a shot of pain go through your mouth? This generally means that you have an issue with a particular tooth. Similar to a bone, you can “fracture” your tooth by cracking it, which leads to pain when you then go to use it.
Never ignore a sharp pain, even if it doesn’t last too long. In some cases, it may require a root canal to fix it. If that triggers your dental anxiety, learn what to expect during a root canal to help ease your nerves.
And remember, if you don’t treat it immediately, it could cause more issues down the road, so it’s best to get the treatment as soon as you can.
Throbbing Pain
Throbbing pain generally means that your tooth’s nerves have been exposed, either from a broken tooth, gum disease, or another serious issue. This type of pain can often interfere with your daily life, as it’s very hard to ignore and can lead to painful headaches as well.
In extreme cases, it may also cause you to feel lightheaded or sick to your stomach. If you feel throbbing or extreme pain, contact your dentist immediately. You don’t want to risk infection or developing an abscess, which is when pus develops in your mouth due to bacterial growth.
If this type of tooth pain occurs outside of your dentist’s normal hours, go to the ER, as they’ll be able to give you guidance and provide some treatment for relief.
Don’t Ignore These Types of Tooth Pain
After learning about the different types of tooth pain, you should have a better understanding of when to visit the dentist for treatment. By ignoring these signs, you’re putting your mouth at risk for more damage. So put an end to skipping visits and seek oral solutions from the Dentist in Turlock now to resolve tooth pain.
For more health tips like these, be sure to read through our other articles before you go!