Sudden Severe Toothache? You Need To See A Dentist
You might think you can grit out pain in your teeth, but don't risk it. It could end up more serious than you think.
Causes of sudden onset tooth pain
The possible reasons for sudden tooth pain can be many and varied. Often the cause is centered around the tooth and gum area, but sometimes it can also be the result of referred pain stemming from another issue that begins somewhere else.
This article will shed some light on the likely causes of tooth pain, how this occurs and when your tooth pain may in fact be a medical emergency requiring swift and decisive action.
Tooth pain explained
The underlying causes of tooth pain often go undiscovered initially, until they magnify and cause more visible symptoms such as swelling or bleeding. Certain things we consume, such as spicy foods or sugary drinks can trigger an upsurge in inflammation and so make the tooth pain that much more obvious.
Tooth pain is often mild at first but if its cause is related to something within the tooth and gums, it is important to have it looked at as soon as possible, even a mild tooth issue can escalate quickly and become a major problem that requires much more extensive treatment to fix.
The anatomy of the tooth
To understand the nature of tooth pain, it is useful to first understand how a normally healthy tooth becomes problematic.
At its core the tooth is made of pulp, a dense mix of nerves and blood vessels, this is then protected by a layer of dentine which fully encapsulates the pulp.
Dentine is made of soft tissue that translates the feelings of sensitivity, such as pressure and temperature. to the nerves of the pulp itself.
On top of the dentine, is the visible layer of enamel. This covers the crown of the tooth and serves as a protective cover for the 2 layers within.
This outer layer is the principal guardian against disease and extends beyond the visible tooth to below the gum line to fully protect.
The gums themselves also act as a form of protection meaning healthy teeth are usually supremely well protected.
Where tooth issues begin
Most tooth issues such as sensitivities and infection will begin once the enamel layer is breached and the dentine below the gumline is exposed to bacteria.
These bacteria multiply by feeding on sugars that remain in the mouth after eating or drinking.
This then triggers an acceleration in acid production that then begins to dissolve the hard enamel layer of the teeth, thus softening it and making it more susceptible to attack.
For a more complete list of the various causes of gum disease, please see this article: Gum Disease Symptoms and Diagnosis
What causes Dental Plaque
Dental plaque is fairly undetectable in its early stages but can harden to tartar in less than a day and thereafter cannot be removed by normal brushing.
Another symptomatic effect is the recession of the tooth exposing more of the tooth root to the harmful spreading bacteria, which in their turn get into the pulp and begin to destabilise the nerves.
This acid attack on a tooth with weakened enamel will begin to create cavities, or holes which expose the dentine layer underneath.
At this stage, the tooth is in danger of being lost due to a deadening of the active root unless root canal surgery is quickly administered.
Other potential causes of sudden unexpected tooth pain
Bruxism: Otherwise known as tooth grinding. This can weaken teeth leading to pain that worsens over time.
Sinus infection: The sinuses are closely connected to the jaw and the teeth so referred pain from sinus problems is not an uncommon symptom.
A tooth abscess: A tooth abscess must be looked at as quickly as possible, left untreated an abscess will spread rapidly and can even move to other areas of the body becoming very dangerous and potentially even life-threatening.
Chips or cracks in the teeth: This again can expose the inner workings of the tooth and its nerve endings, causing acute sensitivity.
Teeth whitening agents: Peroxide, a frequent ingredient used in many teeth whitening products can soften the enamel layer, allowing the dentine to be exposed to harmful acids.
A damaged or poorly fitted dental installation: Crowns, fillings and many other types of dental restorative treatments can lead to tooth and gum pain if they become damaged, or are not fitted perfectly.
This list is not exhaustive and there may be many other reasons for your pain and/or inflammation. Always when it comes to your teeth, gums or jaw, it is much better to be safe than sorry.
The most common reason for sudden or worsening tooth pain is gum disease and this will never get better on its own, gum disease requires swift treatment to stop it from worsening and spreading to other teeth, or deeper into the roots and bloodstream.
If you have any questions regarding this article or any dental concerns please contact us or make an appointment to see a dentist.
