Teeth are vital to everyday life, and although they are reasonably robust, ensuring they are cared for regularly is essential for their health and continued strength. A toothache may occur for various reasons and sometimes can be something relatively simple. However, regardless of how simple it may have been caused, it can create severe pain and distress.
As a dedicated private dentist in Manchester, we understand the struggles toothache can give clients, especially if it is a frequent occurrence. However, we always recommend getting a toothache seen, even if you believe it is nothing serious. This is because a toothache can be a sign of issues that, if left untreated, can have detrimental effects on your dental health and put teeth at risk.
1. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Stress can be a severe contender to teeth grinding and can create pain if you grind your teeth regularly. Often you may not be aware you are grinding your teeth, which can occur as you sleep. However, constant pressure on teeth from clenching your jaw or the friction which grinding creates can cause serious pain as this disfigures your teeth and pushes them into the gum, which can be painful over time.
If you notice that you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, even if the pain is not constant, you must visit a dentist. Prolonged teeth grinding can change the shape of your teeth, damage them, create tension headaches, ear aches or cause jaw disorders. To help prevent bruxism, we can recommend bespoke splints, mouth guards, and even dental correction if it is due to the structure of your teeth.
2. Cavities
A prevalent cause of toothache is cavities in the enamel or structure of the tooth. This is caused by plaque build-up, too much acid or sugar in a diet or poor dental care. You may notice this pain more when it comes to eating, and many patients will favour the other side of the mouth to prevent pain. However, it is essential to seek treatment if you experience pain, especially when eating or drinking cold food or beverages.
Without treatment, a cavity can escalate into a more serious dental health issue and require more invasive treatment. Early prevention with dental fillings can assist in preventing the pain and prevent the cavity from getting to an unfixable size which will need a stronger solution such as our dental crowns.
3. Wisdom Teeth
Remember the toothache from childhood occurring during the growth of adult teeth? This toothache can return when or if your wisdom teeth make an appearance. There will be some discomfort for many people as the tooth comes through, but the new tooth shouldn’t cause any issues once in place. However, it is very common for many people not to have space in their mouth for the addition of wisdom teeth.
In this case, the tooth may come through at an angle or apply pressure to the adjacent tooth. This issue can cause severe pain and require extraction to prevent long-term problems. If your wisdom tooth has come through and is still causing you pain, it is recommended that you book in for an assessment sooner rather than later. The process of removing wisdom teeth is relatively simple, and putting it off could incur unnecessary discomfort. Our clinic offers the most straightforward wisdom tooth extraction and specialises as a nervous patient dentist for those who may be uneasy about any treatment. We can even offer dental sedation.
4. Dental Abscess
A dental abscess can occur for any number of reasons. The leading cause of abscesses is the build-up of plaque which has resulted in tooth decay, causing an infection of the gums. However, it can also be caused by trauma to the gums and mouth or could result from a tooth that has grown incorrectly. Whatever the reason may be, an abscess may also present with other symptoms, including redness of the mouth internally or externally, a sour taste, difficulty chewing or inflammation in the face or jaw.
If you believe you have an abscess, you must see your dentist as soon as possible. Leaving an abscess for any length of time can result in a dental fistula, a hollow tunnel through your jawbone, and much more challenging to treat.
5. Inflamed Gums
The final most common cause of toothache is inflamed gums. Inflammation of the gums is a sign that there has been a build-up of plaque irritating the tissue. If left untreated, this can lead to gingivitis and tooth decay which is detrimental to the health of your teeth. Various lifestyle choices and health conditions can lead to inflamed gums, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, poor tooth alignment, pregnancy, diabetes and a selection of medications, including steroids and oral contraceptives.
If you have inflamed gums, you may notice bleeding when brushing teeth or flossing, receding or bright red or purple gums. If you have tender gums, it is recommended that you visit a dentist, who can assess the extent to which your gums are inflamed and make recommended treatment suggestions such as teeth cleaning and an increase in regular oral hygiene.
Visit a Dentist if You Are Unsure
Whether it’s been a few days or a week, if you have been suffering from a toothache, it is always recommended to visit your dentist to ensure that it is nothing too serious. If the pain has reached unbearable levels, you must seek medical treatment as soon as possible. We are leading emergency dentists in Manchester and can treat you for any dental issues you may be suffering from.