Are you dealing with the aches and pains of a persistent toothache? Does it hurt to eat your favorite foods or drink your daily hot coffee? Maybe you have constant sharp pain flaring up in one of your teeth throughout the day.
If you’ve got a toothache, you might be tempted to pop an over-the-counter pain reliever and try to just push through the pain. But tooth pain is usually the result of a greater problem in need of treatment by your doctor or dentist.
There are different types of tooth pain, some more tolerable than others, but none of the pleasant. Here’s you’ll read about some of the different types of pain and their possible causes:
Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Drinks
Of all the different types of tooth pain, the most common symptom is a sensitivity to hot or cold liquids or foods. If you have tooth pain whenever you take a sip of ice-cold water or a hot cup of tea, and the pain lasts for more than a couple seconds, there are a couple of things that might be going on.
This pain could be a sign of tooth decay, or you might have a loose filling which is leaving a portion of your tooth’s root exposed. It might also be that you’re dealing with tooth abrasion or receding gums, both of which make your teeth more vulnerable.
To combat this pain, start by getting a soft toothbrush and brush with a paste that’s made for sensitive teeth. Avoid brushing more than twice a day.
Schedule an appointment with your dentist to make sure the problem isn’t a serious one.
Lingering Pain After Consuming Hot or Cold Beverages
If the pain you experience after drinking hot or cold beverages persists for more than a minute or two, it’s possible that you have deep tooth decay or an inflamed pulp.
Some patients experience pain for up to an hour or two after eating or drinking something hot or cold. The pain will only get worse, especially if an abscess is present. Get in to see your dentist right away. It may be that the only solution is a root canal to remove all the dead tissue and cleanse your mouth from bacteria and decay.
If you’re fearful of a root canal, be reassured. Most patients say that root canals aren’t any more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled.
Different Types of Tooth Pain Include Pain When Biting or Chewing
Does your tooth or teeth hurt when you take a bite of food or when you’re chewing your meal? It’s possible that you have tooth decay or a cracked or chipped tooth that is causing the pain.
You dentist can diagnose the problem and determine the best course of action. You could be facing either a root canal if decay is to blame or sealing of the chipped or cracked tooth.
What’s the fun in eating if you can’t enjoy your meal? You dentist is here to help, regardless of the cause of your tooth pain.
Dull and Persistent Pain Near Your Sinuses
Are you dealing with a dull ache on either side of your sinuses? A pain that settles in the upper teeth area is sometimes confused as sinus pain, but it could also be a problem with the teeth or gums.
Your doctor or dentist can determine whether cold or flu symptoms are the culprit or if issues with your teeth or gums are at the root of the discomfort. If you notice a dull ache around your sinuses near your teeth, and you’re not currently dealing with a cold or flu, it’s likely due to dental issues.
Acute Pain in One or More Teeth
There are different types of tooth pain, including the painful acute pain that many patients feel in one or more teeth that never quite goes away.
Are you feeling constant, relentless tooth pain, but you can’t even be sure which tooth is affected? When this occurs, it’s often indicative of one or more infected teeth. The tooth decay has probably reached the center of the tooth or teeth and is causing throbbing and pangs that make it hard for you to go about your day.
Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist to address tooth pain. You don’t have to endure it! Though no one likes the idea of a root canal, it’s a far better alternative to having throbbing tooth pain day in and day out.
Pain at the Back of Your Jaw
Though this type of pain isn’t as common as the rest, if you’re experiencing it, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Pain at the back of your jaw is sometimes the result of impacted wisdom teeth. Though many people develop wisdom teeth without any pain, others experience a lot of discomfort. If left untreated, this pain will only get worse.
Take Care of Your Tooth Pain Today
Now that you’ve learned a little bit more about the different types of tooth pain and what causes each, take a moment to learn more about our professional staff and how we can help you get rid of your toothache for good.
We have helped countless Chattanooga, TN patients with toothaches, chipped or cracked teeth, tooth decay, and cosmetic procedures so that they can enjoy a healthy, pain-free smile with confidence.
If you’re experiencing teeth pain of any kind, we encourage you to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!