What is Causing My Tooth Pain? Common Causes and How to Feel Better

What could be causing your tooth pain?

You’re going about your day, when—BAM!—you bite into something and are rewarded with a sharp pain. And even worse, it’s a sharp pain that turns into a dull ache that isn’t going away. So where exactly did things go wrong?

There are many reasons you may be experiencing tooth pain. And the range of pain you are experiencing can vary from mild discomfort to a severe throbbing sensation. No matter what is causing your tooth pain, it is important to get a proper diagnosis from Alani Dental Center in Chattanooga, TN. Our talented and professional dental staff want to make sure your teeth are in good shape, so we want to help you find the cause of the pain you are experiencing.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain

There are many different causes of tooth pain that you can experience. Here are the most common types of tooth pain.

Cavities and Tooth Decay: Cavities and tooth decay happen when bacteria and acid erode the enamel, or the outer layer, of the tooth.

Cracked or Chipped Tooth: A cracked or chipped tooth can be caused by participating in an aggressive activity or sport, biting down on a food the wrong way, or other traumatic tooth trauma from things like a fall or car crash.

Gum Disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is the inflammation of the gums, which can lead to tooth pain.

Teeth Grinding: Also known as bruxism, most people who suffer from teeth grinding experience pain in their jaw, along with tooth sensitivity.

Sinus Issues: The pressure from sinus infections can often mimic toothaches.

How to Feel Better and Alleviate Tooth Pain

There are many remedies you can try to keep your tooth pain at bay.

At-Home Remedies

When looking for a way to relieve your pain at home, there are some simple things you can try. A warm saltwater rinse can help reduce swelling and gum pain. It can be made by using a half tablespoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water. You can swish this around in your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Remember not to swallow this solution!

If you are experiencing swelling due to a toothache, you can use a cold compress to help reduce the swelling. A cold compress should be wrapped in a towel and held in the area causing pain for no longer than 15 minutes.

Finally, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like Tylenol or Advil, for pain relief and swelling. Be sure to follow the directions on the packaging or your doctor’s or dentist’s advice.

Preventative Measures

The best way to keep your teeth and mouth in top shape is by taking preventative measures. One of the best preventative measures is having good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time. Many dentists recommend using a soft-bristled brush and a toothpaste that is fortified with fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen the enamel of the tooth. Dentists also recommend flossing at least once a day to help clean between teeth.

Another great preventative measure is having regular dental checkups. At Alani Dental Center, we recommend biannual dental visits, or about once every six months. During these annual visits, your dentist will give you a complete dental evaluation, which includes dental X-rays and a full examination of your teeth.

Professional Treatment

If you are experiencing tooth pain, you may need to visit your dentist to get it looked at. A professional treatment could include fillings for a cavity, a root canal, root canal therapy, or other treatments to help relieve pain. Alani Dental Center offers restorative dentistry for those who are suffering from major pain or missing teeth due to other dental issues.

If you have tooth pain that is lasting more than 24 hours, it is advised that you contact Alani Dental Center to schedule an appointment to help relieve your tooth pain.

Consult with Alani Dental Center.

If you are experiencing tooth pain and it is lasting for more than a day, it’s time to reach out to Alani Dental Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The dental team at Alani Dental can schedule you for a complete dental evaluation, where we can examine your entire mouth to see what might be causing your pain. We may also take dental X-rays to see if there are any specific issues with the tooth or the tooth’s roots that can’t be seen visually. From there, our dental team will be able to diagnose your dental issue and help you resolve your pain.

Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.