Overview

Tooth pain is impossible to ignore; no matter whichever sort of pain it is. It is caused by irritation of the nerves in the root or surrounding area of a tooth. Dental (tooth) decay, injury or infection are the most common causes of tooth pain. Many times, a pain originating from some other area like the neck, head, nose, ear or even heart, can radiate to the jaw and appear to be tooth pain. Bacteria that grow inside your mouth cause tooth decay and gum disease which causes pain.

Often you won’t be able to locate the origin of the pain. Therefore, understanding the different types of tooth pain is important to determine its exact cause. Here, we will walk you through the different types of tooth pain, what your pain is indicating, and whom to consult for the best dentist in South Delhi.

What are the common types of tooth pain?

There are various types of dental (tooth) pain, which may be:

• Dull, persistent pain:

What it means: This means the pain is continuously troubling you but is not very severe. It may be caused by food stuck in between teeth, pus inside the tooth, etc.

What to do: Proper brushing and rinsing of the mouth and seeking a dentist’s help is important to relieve this type of tooth pain.

• Sharp pain:

What it means: You will feel a pin-pointed sudden spike of pain or jabbing pain in this type. This is usually caused when there is a loose tooth filling, tooth fracture, tooth decay leading to a cavity, or if your crown has fallen off.

What to do: You must seek help or visit a dentist immediately.

• Sensitivity to hot and cold:

What it means: This means you will have a sudden uncomfortable sensation whenever cold or hot, or both touch your tooth. If it is minor, it may be due to the wearing down of enamel (outermost covering of your teeth).

What to do: You may use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoid extreme cold and hot foods for 5–6 days and the pain will go away. Also, seek your dentist’s advice.

But in case the sensitivity pain is very severe and lasts for more than 30 seconds, it could be serious and you must visit your dentist immediately. This type of pain could be caused by tooth fractures, exposed tooth roots, worn-out fillings or maybe gum disease.

• Severe, throbbing pain:

What it means: This means you will feel severe unbearable pain with regular strong beats. It can be caused due to tooth damage or decay, infection of tooth or gums, or an overfilling which might pinch the underlying tooth structures during chewing.

What to do: If you also experience bleeding, discolouration of gums or a bad taste in your mouth, you must see your dentist immediately.

• Extreme or debilitating tooth pain:

What it means: If immediate action is not taken to resolve throbbing pain, it may turn into debilitating pain which may make you feel dizzy and sick.

What to do: This type of dental pain requires an immediate visit to a dentist. You may even want to visit an emergency room to get it rectified as soon as possible.

• Pressure pain due to teeth misalignment:

What it means: Misaligned teeth can put pressure on other teeth, as well as your jaw bone, resulting in pain. This can also change your way of mouth closure (change in bite) which also causes teeth and muscle pain.

What to do: Visit your dentist to resolve this.

• Radiating pain:

What it means: This means you do not know where the pain is originating from. It starts from some area but you feel that pain in some other area. This type of tooth pain can be due to the habit of teeth grinding (bruxism) where pain may radiate to the neck, jaw or head. Sometimes pain due to the neck, ear, nose or heart can also be felt like a toothache.

What to do: Visiting a dentist is very important to find the exact reason for tooth pain and treat it accordingly.

• Pain due to wisdom tooth:

What it means: Sometimes the wisdom tooth does not erupt through the gums, but remains under them or does not fully erupt and can be tilted. As a result, it pushes the other teeth from below, which causes pain. 

What to do: The best solution is its removal, but always see your dentist and follow his advice.

• Pain due to very hard brushing and flossing:

What it means: Brushing and flossing too hard can cause pain, swelling, redness and bleeding along the gum line and around your teeth.

What to do: Follow your dentist’s guidance about the correct way of brushing and flossing.

• Pain due to gum disease:

What it means: Inflamed and bleeding gums can lead to gum infection and may spread, as well as damage teeth and jaw bone too.

What to do: Consulting a dentist will help you get treated and free of pain.

Also read: | Wisdom Tooth Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Remedies & Relief |

Takeaway

So you are now familiar that in the majority of times, if you are suffering from any types of tooth pain, it is always a good idea to visit your dentist. Do this as soon as possible and seek his help immediately to ensure that your condition does not turn worse.

Visit Smileoracles dental clinic which is considered the best dental clinic in South Delhi. Our aim is to provide the finest dental care while keeping you comfortable and relaxed. Our highly qualified and experienced dentists ensure world-class care and clinical excellence based on customised treatment plans tailor-made according to individual needs. We are equipped with the best diagnostic protocols and the latest technology to provide you with the latest treatment options. Give us the opportunity to help you.