Many people compare the pain of childbirth and stomach ache to dental pain. Occasionally, a toothache can be so terrible that it prevents you from performing your usual daily activities, and in certain instances, it affects your chewing. However, one should note that not all toothaches are equal. The type of pain, the intensity, duration, and the location can be painting a picture of what exactly is going on in your mouth. Understanding the type of pain you are experiencing is the first step in receiving proper treatment. However, it is still mandatory to see your dentist immediately because, the earlier the problem is detected, the less costly the treatment will be, and the better the prognosis. Today, we will be discussing the common types of tooth pain that one may experience.

 

Constant aching pain in one particular tooth is by far the most common type of dental pain. It usually comes on at night when you are sleeping, and it also prevents you from chewing at that particular side of the mouth. One major point worth noting is that your ability to pinpoint the exact tooth causing you the pain. It is quite possible that the tooth in question might have decayed and the extent of the decay may be within the inner-most layer of the tooth (pulp). Once this layer gets infected with germs from decay, it rots and the sequelae worsen. Constant aching pain could also suggest a severe crack in the tooth. Your dentist may suggest performing a form of treatment to save the tooth(root canal treatment) or he/she may suggest having the tooth taken out(extraction) depending on your history, examination, and x-rays.

 

Pain at the back of the jaw is a common type of pain amongst teens and young adults. It usually signifies an infection of the gums covering your wisdom tooth. The wisdom tooth generally appears in the mouth between the ages of 17 years to 22 years. When a wisdom tooth fails to fully appear in your mouth, you end up having a bit of the gum overlying it. Whenever food packs beneath the gums in that region, inflammation ensues, causing pain at the back of your jaw. Your dentist will need to assess it by taking x-rays, performing the first aid to relieve the pain, and will possibly discuss having that tooth taken out so that the pain does not recur.

 

Sharp tooth sensitivity may suggest so many things. You may be eating ice cream and all of a sudden, get a sharp shooting pain in one or more teeth. Your usual morning tea or coffee may also cause this type of sensitivity even after a sip. If the pain does not linger on after you swallow, it could either be a loose filling, tooth abrasion, or receding gums usually caused by the use of hard bristled toothbrushes. If the pain you experience after drinking hot or cold beverages lingers on for a minute or two, it is possible that you may have deep tooth decay. A visit to the dentist will be ideal to find the exact cause and the problem can be tackled accordingly.

 

What is the fun of eating when you cannot enjoy your meal? See your dentist every 6 months, regardless of whether you are in pain or not. Dentists are able to detect any possible tooth decay, fractures, and gum disease even before it progresses into pain. Use fluoride toothpaste, brush twice daily, avoid chewing ice, avoid opening bottles with your teeth, and also try to limit snacking in between meals.

AUTHOR: DR MICHAEL AWUA-MENSAH