Do your teeth touch when your mouth is closed? It’s a question that may not have crossed your mind, but it’s worth considering. According to dental experts, the resting position of your teeth is just as important as their alignment when you’re chewing or speaking.
So, what is the ideal position for your teeth when your mouth is at rest? The answer is that your teeth should not be touching when you’re not using them. This is because constant contact between your teeth can cause wear and tear over time, leading to dental problems such as tooth sensitivity, cracked teeth, and even jaw pain.
While it may feel natural to have your teeth touching, especially when you’re relaxed, it’s important to be mindful of this habit. In this article, we’ll explore why your teeth should not touch when you’re not using them, and what you can do to ensure that your teeth are in the right position for optimal dental health.
Understanding Basic Dental Anatomy
Role of Teeth in Oral Health
Your teeth play a crucial role in your oral health. They help you chew food, speak properly, and maintain the shape of your face. Teeth also help to maintain the alignment of your jawbone and prevent it from shifting.
Each tooth has several parts, including the crown, which is the visible part of the tooth, and the root, which is the part of the tooth that is embedded in your jawbone. The root anchors the tooth in place and helps to support the surrounding bone.
The Normal Position of Teeth
The normal position of your teeth is with the upper teeth slightly overlapping the lower teeth. This is known as occlusion. When you bite down, your teeth should fit together comfortably, and your jaw should be in a relaxed position.
If your teeth do not fit together properly, it can cause a variety of problems, including tooth wear, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. This condition is known as malocclusion, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, and tooth loss.
In some cases, malocclusion can be corrected with orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep your teeth healthy and prevent dental problems. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Should Your Teeth Touch When at Rest?
When your mouth is at rest, your teeth should not be touching each other. The proper resting position for your teeth is when they are slightly apart, without interacting with any other teeth or parts of the mouth. This is important because teeth that don’t rest properly can cause all sorts of problems, including excessive tooth wear and gum problems.
According to orthodontic experts, proper oral posture means that at rest, your tongue should be pressed against the roof of your mouth, your teeth should be touching or slightly apart, and your lips should be together without strain. When a child grows up with proper oral posture, the face develops in appropriate balance according to its genetic plan.
It’s important to note that the front teeth usually touch both the inside of the upper and lower lip when your mouth is at rest. The gum area and almost half of your teeth should be touching the inside of the upper lip while the lower half touches the inside of the lower lip. This is the ideal resting position for your teeth.
When your teeth are in the proper resting position, they are less likely to experience excessive wear and tear, which can lead to premature aging of your teeth. Additionally, proper oral posture can help prevent gum problems and other oral health issues.
In summary, your teeth should not be touching each other when your mouth is at rest. The proper resting position for your teeth is when they are slightly apart, with the front teeth usually touching both the inside of the upper and lower lip. By maintaining proper oral posture, you can help prevent dental problems and ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong.
Should Your Teeth Touch When Speaking?
When it comes to speaking, your teeth and tongue work together to form the sounds required for clear speech. This means that your teeth and tongue will touch very frequently while you’re speaking. However, your teeth should never be touching each other.
According to orthodontists, your teeth should only touch when you’re chewing food. When your mouth is inactive, your teeth should be resting too, without interacting with any other teeth or parts of the mouth. This is known as the resting position of your teeth.
Having your teeth touch when speaking can lead to several dental problems, including wear and tear on your teeth, jaw pain, and even headaches. If your teeth are touching while speaking, it’s a sign of a malocclusion or misalignment of your teeth. This can be corrected through orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners.
It’s important to be aware of your teeth’s resting position, especially if you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth. These habits can cause your teeth to touch and lead to dental problems over time. If you’re unsure about your teeth’s resting position, consult with an orthodontist or dentist for guidance.
Preventing Unwanted Teeth Touching
Proper Mouth Posture
Maintaining proper mouth posture is essential in preventing unwanted teeth touching. When your mouth is at rest, your teeth should not be touching. Instead, your tongue should be resting against the roof of your mouth, and your lips should be closed but relaxed. This posture helps to keep your jaw muscles relaxed and prevent clenching, which can lead to headaches and jaw pain.
To help maintain proper mouth posture, try the following tips:
Be mindful of your mouth posture throughout the day.
Practice breathing through your nose instead of your mouth.
Chew your food with your mouth closed.
Avoid clenching your teeth during times of stress.
Orthodontic Solutions
In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to prevent unwanted teeth touching. If you have an overbite or underbite, your front teeth may be touching when your mouth is at rest. This can cause excessive wear and tear on your teeth and lead to jaw pain and headaches.
Orthodontic solutions for preventing unwanted teeth touching include:
Braces: Braces can help to properly align your teeth and prevent unwanted teeth touching.
Invisalign: Invisalign is a clear aligner system that can help to straighten your teeth and prevent unwanted teeth touching.
Retainers: Retainers can be used to maintain proper tooth alignment after orthodontic treatment.
If you are experiencing unwanted teeth touching, it is important to speak with your dentist or orthodontist. They can help you determine the best course of treatment to prevent further damage and improve your overall oral health.
Gum pain or soreness in the back of the mouth is a common complaint that can stem from various sources. The posterior molars are especially prone to plaque accumulation and inflammation of the gums known as gingivitis. However, gum discomfort can also arise from infection, ill-fitting dental work, trauma, or serious conditions like periodontal disease and oral cancer. Identifying the precise origin of gum soreness is key to proper treatment and relief.
Causes of Gum Pain in the Back of the Mouth
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused by plaque buildup around teeth. When plaque hardened into tartar goes untreated, it harbors bacteria that release toxins. These irritants trigger inflammation and swelling of gum tissue.
As gingivitis worsens, gums redden, turn shiny, and bleed easily. Gum margins begin to pull away from teeth forming pockets that collect even more plaque. Patients typically complain of sensitivity, tenderness, and soreness when chewing.
Without treatment, gingivitis can advance to much more severe periodontitis and eventual tooth loss. The back molars near the opening of salivary ducts are particularly prone as their constant bathing in saliva promotes rapid plaque accumulation.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a progressive form of gum disease where inflammation has spread to deeper tissues and jawbone surrounding teeth. The gums recede further, pockets deepen, and bacteria begin degrading the periodontal ligaments and bone. Teeth loosen and become unstable.
Periodontitis sufferers experience pronounced soreness, bleeding, gaps between teeth, bad breath, and even alteration of bite alignment. Aggressive periodontitis tends to strike otherwise healthy patients under age 35. But chronic periodontitis is most common in those over 40.
If left unchecked, periodontitis destroys more bone until teeth become loose and fall out. Molars in the back are often lost prematurely. Professional deep cleanings, antibiotics, and gum grafts are required to halt damage and restore gum health.
Canker Sores
Canker sores manifest as round white ulcers inside the mouth surrounded by a red halo. They can develop along the gums in the back of the mouth near molars. Canker sores cause a burning, tingling pain.
While the exact cause is unknown, canker sores are triggered by stress, hormonal shifts, vitamin deficiencies, spicy foods, and mouth trauma. They usually heal on their own within 7-10 days. More severe cases may be treated by dentists with topical numbing agents, steroids, or cauterizing chemicals to ease discomfort.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush results when the yeast Candida albicans proliferates inside the mouth and on gum tissue. It produces creamy white lesions and patches that cause soreness and bleeding when scraped. Thrush commonly affects the gums and palate but can spread to the back molars.
Denture wearers are very prone as the yeast overgrows on poorly fitting dentures. Other risk factors for thrush include diabetes, antibiotic use, smoking, steroid inhalers, vitamin deficiencies, and HIV/AIDS. Prescription antifungal rinses or lozenges can clear up most cases.
Fitting Dental Work
Crowns, fillings, bridges, braces, and dentures that do not properly fit can rub and irritate gum tissue. Constant abrasion causes swelling, sores, and discomfort concentrated along the band of gums contacting the dental materials. Misaligned or overhanging dental work frequently affects the gums around back molars.
Dentists can adjust fittings or re-cement loose dental work to prevent further irritation. Switching to denture adhesives may also relieve sore spots. In some cases, a full re-fabrication is required to correctly size dental appliances.
Trauma and Irritation
Any repeated irritation and trauma to the gums near molars provokes localized pain and inflammation. Common irritants include:
Accidentally biting cheek or gums with molars during chewing
Rough edges of dental fillings or crowns scraping gums
Constant picking at gums with fingers or objects
Chewing on hard items like ice or popcorn kernels
Poking gums with toothpicks, fish bones, or other sharp debris
Chemical or thermal burns from hot drinks, smoking, or acidic foods
Managing diet and habits to protect delicate back gum areas helps them heal. Dentists can smooth sharp dental edges or deliver fast pain relief with topical analgesics and steroids.
Oral Cancer
Persistent swollen lump, sore, or ulcer on the gums that does not heal could signal the presence of oral cancer. Oral squamous cell carcinoma accounts for over 90% of mouth cancers detected. Early warning signs often appear along the posterior gumline where cheek tissues meet the upper and lower molars.
Any strange lesion on the gums lasting longer than 2 weeks must be evaluated promptly by an oral surgeon. Other oral cancer symptoms include numbness, difficulty swallowing or chewing, earaches, and loose teeth. Successful treatment and survival are vastly improved when oral cancer is diagnosed at an early stage.
Less Common Causes
Other less frequent sources of back gum soreness include:
Abscesses – bacterial infections forming pus-filled pockets in the gums requiring drainage
Leukemia – cancer of blood-forming tissues that can manifest with swollen, painful gums
Vitamin C deficiency – causes weakened collagen and bleeding gums
Pregnancy gingivitis – hormonal shifts during pregnancy aggravate swelling and inflammation
Getting Relief from Sore Gums
Here are some simple self-care tips to alleviate mild gum pain and discomfort:
Gently brush sore areas using ultrasoft bristles and limited pressure
Rinse mouth with warm salt water to flush away irritants and reduce inflammation
Apply cold compresses to external gums to constrict blood vessels and ease swelling
Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen for relief
Avoid foods and habits that aggravate pain such as spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, ice chewing
Topical numbing gels containing lidocaine or benzocaine can temporarily numb severe gum pain for several hours. But caution should be used to avoid spreading infection deeper or masking a serious underlying condition.
For cases of persistent soreness and recognized gum disease, professional dental treatment is required for true relief and lasting repair of damage.
Good oral health is a crucial part of your overall well-being. Additionally, good oral health typically accompanies a beautiful smile. While many people focus on the look of their smile, it is vital to keep your mouth clean and healthy. One reason for this is to avoid oral infections. Unfortunately, oral infections have various dangers that spell consequences for your oral health.
TYPES OF ORAL INFECTIONS
There are many different types of infections that you can encounter. The more you know about them, the better you can be prepared. If you can catch these issues early, you can also prevent significant damage.
GINGIVITIS: THE EARLY WARNING SIGN
Gingivitis is one of the most common oral infections. It can cause inflamed gums. This is often caused by plaque and bacteria buildup along the gum line. Gingivitis is usually mild and reversible with proper dental care. But, if left untreated, it can progress to a more severe condition.
PERIODONTITIS: THE SILENT DESTROYER
If you ignore gingivitis, it can develop into periodontitis. This is a more severe gum infection. Periodontitis damages the soft tissues and bones that support your teeth. Eventually, this can lead to tooth mobility and, in severe cases, tooth loss.
TOOTH ABSCESS: A PAINFUL INFECTION
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms within a tooth or in the surrounding tissues. It is often extremely painful and can cause facial or jaw swelling. Tooth abscesses require prompt dental treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
ORAL THRUSH: FUNGAL INVASION
Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. It typically appears as white, creamy patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and throat. It can also affect people with weakened immune systems or those who use certain medications, like antibiotics.
DANGERS OF ORAL INFECTIONS
Tooth loss is one of the most immediate dangers of oral infections, particularly periodontitis. As the infection progresses, the structures supporting your teeth can weaken. This may lead to their eventual loss.
Furthermore, oral infections are not limited to your mouth. They can affect your entire body. Studies have shown a connection between oral infections and systemic health issues. This includes heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
It is not just your health that infections can damage. Oral infections can cause severe pain and discomfort. This can make eating, speaking, and daily activities hard. The pain can also disrupt your sleep, affecting your overall quality of life.
Without treatment, oral infections can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. This can also lead to serious complications, including infections in the heart, brain, or other organs.
PREVENTING ORAL INFECTIONS
The most effective way to prevent oral infections is through proper oral hygiene practices. You should also implement routine dental checkups. Your dentist can identify the signs of an infection before it causes too much pain or damage.
If you have conditions that weaken your immune system, work closely with your healthcare providers to manage your oral health.
We’ve all experienced it – that persistent, nagging toothache that intermittently surfaces. It’s tempting to dismiss it as a fleeting annoyance, assuming it will dissipate. However, in this article, we’ll elucidate why overlooking your toothache is a mistake. Believe us; your teeth are conveying a crucial message!
The Troublesome Toothache: A Widespread Issue
Toothaches are surprisingly prevalent. Their intensity can vary from slight discomfort to debilitating pain, often making us dread the prospect of a dental visit. Yet, here’s the crux: sidelining tooth pain can precipitate grave repercussions.
Early Action Mitigates Pain and Costs: Consider your toothache as an alarm bell from your body. It’s signaling a potential anomaly in your mouth, perhaps a cavity, a fractured tooth, or even a lurking infection. Addressing the root cause promptly can simplify and reduce the cost of treatment. Conversely, procrastination might necessitate a more intricate and pricier dental intervention later.
Toothaches Rarely Vanish Spontaneously: A prevalent fallacy is that toothaches will spontaneously resolve. While they might intermittently subside, giving an illusion of resolution, such patterns often hint at an underlying concern demanding attention. Toothaches seldom disappear without apt intervention.
Oral Health is Integral to Overall Well-being: Your oral health is intrinsically linked to your general health. Neglecting a toothache could mean overlooking an infection with the potential to proliferate beyond your oral cavity. Dental infections can escalate to grave health challenges, encompassing heart ailments and systemic infections. A mere toothache shouldn’t be the precursor to broader health complications.
Disturbed Sleep and Diminished Life Quality: A pulsating toothache can disrupt your tranquil nights, leading to insomnia. It can impinge on your mood, focus, and overall life quality. Why endure such distress when a timely dental visit can alleviate the pain?
Averting Tooth Loss: At times, a relentless toothache signals an imminent tooth loss. Losing a tooth can have profound implications, impacting your eating, speaking capabilities, and even self-confidence. Preserving a tooth through early action is invariably simpler than subsequent replacements.
Navigating a Toothache: What’s the Next Step?
Convinced that sidelining a toothache isn’t wise? Here’s a pragmatic approach to tackle the irksome pain:
Consult Your Dentist Promptly: The foremost step is to schedule a visit with your dentist. They possess the expertise to diagnose and remedy dental ailments. Don’t procrastinate; seek your dentist’s advice upon detecting a toothache.
Over-the-Counter Pain Alleviation: Pending your dental visit, over-the-counter analgesics can offer temporary relief. Adhere to the dosage guidelines and refrain from applying medication directly to the sore spot, as it might harm the tissue.
Uphold Oral Hygiene: Meanwhile, persist with your routine oral care. Brush gently, floss diligently, and use an alcohol-free mouthwash. This regimen ensures cleanliness around the affected region and might offer some solace.
Sidestep Aggravators: Evade extremely hot or cold edibles and drinks, and abstain from hard, crunchy foods that might intensify the pain.
In Conclusion
While a toothache might appear trivial, it’s a clarion call signaling your oral health requires attention. By addressing it promptly, you can avert escalated pain, additional expenses, and potential health challenges in the future.
Don’t trivialize that toothache. Reach out to your dentist and embark on the journey to a healthier, pain-free grin. Your teeth will express gratitude, and you’ll soon relish your cherished meals and enjoy serene nights once more.
Tooth pain can occur naturally from out of nowhere but can result from minor to major sensitivity. When this happens, the mouth becomes painful, making it difficult to eat and talk without any pain. Medication may temporarily limit the pain, but there is an underlying issue that needs urgent attention. One of the reasons for this is tooth nerve damage.
When the dental pulp becomes infected, this is a sign of nerve damage. The dental pulp resides within the underlying dentin, covered by the enamel, and is the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. Going further, blood vessels and nerves are built branches that supply blood to every tissue in the body.
When both the vessels and nerves are exposed, you’ll experience a lot of pain and immediate emergency treatment will be required.
It is important to address the signs of tooth nerve damage so you’re aware of what its causes are and how to identify them.
Trauma From Injury
Nerve damage can become instant from a traumatic sudden injury to the jaws and teeth. For example, physical contact in sports is the most common way for dental trauma to occur. It may also occur via a physical accident where the point of contact is the jaw and teeth. Immediately after this, you need to identify the result of the accident is broken or cracked teeth. The pain will be severe as well. The tooth nerves will be exposed as a result and will require immediate emergency treatment.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a result of poor oral hygiene or medications that impact your oral health. When tooth decay advances, you need to see the dentist as soon as possible because decay can wear down the tooth nerve, causing the pulp to be exposed. This increases the chances of nerve infections and you’ll begin to feel sensitivity, particularly when you eat and drink.
An Abscessed Tooth
When the jaw or face swells up, it is likely that the tooth root has become infected due to injury or decay. This is a sign of a dental abscess. An abscess is where pus (a form of liquid) forms inside the teeth, gums and bone. It is a bacterial infection that causes throbbing pain. This is another indication of tooth nerve damage.
Nerve Damage Does Not Heal Itself…
Unlike most physical injuries where rest helps to heal, this isn’t the same for tooth nerve damage. There may be times where a dentist could identify techniques to reverse minor nerve pain, but only when there is mild inflammation. When symptoms are minor and the root of the tooth is exposed, a dental filling is considered by the dentist. Where the symptoms are major, root canal treatment is required. Either way, consult the dentist for emergency treatment as soon as you can. Also, if you’ve recently had treatment for nerve damage and you’re seeking cosmetic treatment to straighten teeth such as with Invisalign, you may experience complications, but you can consult your dentist to discuss complications with cosmetic treatment moving forward.
The surface of your teeth is called enamel. It helps protect them from decay. Some wear and tear is normal, but there’s plenty you can do to keep that barrier strong. Take these simple steps for a healthy mouth and a winning smile.
1. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar from foods and drinks. Then they make acids, which soften and wear away your enamel. Chewy candies that stick on your teeth are can also cause damage. Soft drinks may have extra acids.
Soft drinks with artificial sweeteners are a smarter choice than ones with sugar, but they’re also acidic and will wear down enamel over time.
The best choice when you’re thirsty? A glass of plain water. Many flavored waters are acidic.
2. Eat Foods That Protect Enamel
Calcium in food counters acids in your mouth that cause decay. It also helps keep your bones and teeth strong.
Milk, cheese, and other dairy products help protect and strengthen enamel. Choose low-fat or fat-free items to help keep calories down. If you don’t eat dairy, look for foods with calcium added.
3. Avoid Over-Brushing
You can wear down your enamel if you brush too fast and hard. Hold a brush with a soft bristle at about a 45-degree angle to your gums. Then move it back and forth in short, gentle strokes, about the distance of one tooth.
Wait for up to an hour after eating sweets or citrus fruits before you brush your teeth. Acidic foods can soften enamel and may make it easier for you to damage it.
4. Use Fluoride
The American Dental Association (ADA) calls fluoride “nature’s cavity fighter” because it strengthens your enamel and helps repair the early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride also makes your teeth more resistant to acids that come from foods and from bacteria in your mouth.The ADA recommends fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears and throughout your life. Rinsing with a mouthwash that has fluoride can also help prevent cavities and keep your enamel strong.
One of the most serious and painful types of gum disease is called trench mouth. According to Healthline, the name dates back to World War I, the first war in which soldiers experienced prolonged periods of trench warfare. Because they were under significant stress and did not have time to take care of their teeth or seek treatment, they often developed painful and bleeding gums.
Who Is Affected by This Condition?
Trench mouth can affect anyone who does not practice proper mouth care, or who cannot or does not access regular dental cleaning, though it is quite rare in nations with modern healthcare. It is still sometimes observed in younger males, possibly due to the reluctance to seek treatment until it becomes very painful. Other factors include a poor diet and a lack of knowledge about oral hygiene.
What Additional Factors Put a Person at Risk for Trench Mouth?
The disease can be caused or exacerbated by factors such as a compromised immune system, a history of smoking, infections in the mouth or existing health conditions like diabetes or HIV/AIDS. A history of gingivitis (gum disease), especially in combination with poor oral hygiene and missed dental appointments, can greatly increase the chances of developing this condition. Inadequate nutrition and diet choices can also be contributing factors.
What Are the Symptoms of Trench Mouth and How Is It Diagnosed?
Patients may experience a combination of several different symptoms, says The New York Times.
Bleeding gums and pain caused by touching or brushing the teeth
A metallic taste or smell coming from the mouth
An increase in swelling of the gums
Flu-like symptoms, including fatigue and fever
A simple oral exam by a dentist is enough for a diagnosis with the above symptoms, and the condition can be initially treated with a cleaning of the gums and teeth by a dental hygienist.
To decrease infection, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics, along with an antibacterial rinse. The rinse can also be used by the dental hygienist during the cleaning to help relieve the pain caused by the infected gums.
Once the patient is relieved of the symptoms of this painful condition, regular visits to a dentist and dental hygienist will help prevent it from occuring again, and ensure a lifetime of healthy gums.
Taking care of your oral and overall health must be a priority. Knowing when you need to call your dentist is important. Practicing good oral hygiene habits help to prevent tooth decay, cavities, and many other issues. Cavities are one of the most common issues patients face, and about 30 percent of Americans have untreated dental cavities. Leaving a cavity untreated can destroy your teeth leading to tooth loss, infection, and other more serious conditions.It is helpful for patients to understand what a cavity is, and also know what symptoms to look out for if you think you may have a cavity.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is when bacteria or food build up and form plaque on your teeth. The bacteria eat away at the enamel on your teeth and cause decay. Good oral hygiene habits are so important, and brushing and flossing can help you get rid of the plaque build up to prevent cavities from developing. Once the cavity is formed there is a small hole in your tooth, and if left untreated the cavity can destroy your tooth or develop an infection.
What Are the Signs of a Cavity?
There are signs you can look out for that may indicate you have a cavity. If you experience any of these signs we encourage you to contact our office, and our staff will get you in as soon as possible. Our team always works to keep our patient’s teeth and mouth healthy and pain free.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers and does not go away
• Sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks
• A toothache that is on or around one or more teeth
• Pain when you bite down or pain during eating
• Discoloration, white spots, or staining on a tooth
• A small hole or mark on your tooth
Knowing these signs can help you decide if you need to contact a dentist. A cavity should never be left untreated.
Even though your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it is still possible to experience dental pain and damage. Your teeth endure trauma every day in the form of eating, speaking, tooth grinding, and bad habits like chewing on your nails or ice. If that wasn’t bad enough, your teeth are regularly exposed to sugars and other acids that lead to bacteria build-up and plaque.
Because of this, it is more than likely that you’ve experienced at least one toothache in your life. These toothaches can be uncomfortable, if not debilitating, and, unfortunately, they don’t fix themselves.
What Are The Common Causes of Toothaches?
One of the best ways to prevent dental damage from worsening is to understand the causes of toothaches.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, or dental caries (cavities), is the erosion of the tooth surface or enamel. This decay is often caused by excess bacteria in the mouth that is not removed with good oral hygiene. Plaque is the layer of bacteria that forms and bonds to tooth enamel. This sticky film thrives on the starches and sugars in food, which creates an acid that eats away at the tooth enamel, causing small holes (cavities).
When cavities are discovered early enough, they can be fixed with simple fillings.
Abscesses
When cavities are not addressed, they can develop an infection that can spread to the tooth root. This infection can be very painful and dangerous. An abscess must be treated by a dentist.
This treatment may be performed in a number of ways, depending on the damage. Sometimes the pus from the infection needs to be drained from the tooth, and the tooth will usually require a root canal or extraction.
Tooth Fracture
Fractures (cracked teeth) often occur due to tooth trauma, such as biting down too hard on an object, tooth grinding, or experiencing a facial injury. Teeth can also fracture if there are underlying concerns like cavities or gum disease.
Many fractured teeth can be fixed with a crown or a filling, but depending on the extent of the fracture, your dentist may need to perform a root canal or extract the damaged tooth.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is inflammation of the gums that occurs when the unremoved bacteria form deep pockets around the teeth. This can cause the gums to become red or swollen. When gum disease is not treated, it can result in tooth loss.
There are several non-surgical and surgical therapies that can assist those experiencing gum disease.
Bruxism
Bruxism (teeth grinding) usually occurs during sleep. Therefore, it often goes unnoticed until a problem arises. Teeth grinding results in toothaches, jaw pain, and dental damage, such as chipping or fracture. You can protect your teeth from bruxism by wearing a dental nightguard.
What Should I Do If I Experience a Toothache?
A toothache should never be ignored. Please call our office if you are experiencing a toothache. When it comes to dental pain, the earlier you address the problem, the easier the treatment will usually be. That is why patients should see their dentist at least twice a year for screenings and cleanings.
Why your teeth hurt when you have a cold, flu or sinus symptoms
Can a sore throat cause tooth pain?
Keep brushing even though you’re sick
Getting a flu shot helps to protect your oral health
Now that we’re knee-deep into winter, it seems as if more and more people around us are suffering from a cold or the flu. If you’re not careful, you too might start to get that telltale tickle in your throat, which can lead to body aches, throat pain, stuffy nose, sinusitis and bouts of coughing.
When you’re suffering from a cold or the flu, you might also find that you’re experiencing painful symptoms in your teeth. But before you despair over having a tooth issue on top of your other symptoms, consider that your toothache might just be a side effect of your illness.
Can a cold virus cause your teeth to hurt?
The short answer to this question is yes.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s an issue with your oral health, especially if the pain isn’t limited to one tooth.
In fact, if you have a cold or flu and are experiencing pain in your upper teeth, especially toward the rear of your mouth, the pain might actually be a side effect of acute sinusitis.
Acute sinusitis tooth pain can be triggered by a virus or bacterial infection. Its symptoms include thick yellow or greenish mucous draining from the nose or down the throat, pain and pressure around your eyes, cheeks, and nose, and nasal congestion. You may experience pain in your upper rear teeth simply because of their close proximity to your infected sinuses.
Although most common colds are gone within 7 – 10 days, acute sinusitis can stick around for up to four weeks. If rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines aren’t helping, seeing your doctor for a prescription might be your best bet to relieve your symptoms, and eliminate the pain you’re feeling in your teeth.
Nasal congestion and your oral health
Congested nasal passages can also negatively affect your oral health.
When we have a stuffy nose, we tend to breathe through our mouth. This can cause our mouth to dry out, especially during periods of sleep, which can significantly reduce saliva flow.
Taking certain medications, such as decongestants, can also result in a dry mouth.
Unhindered saliva flow is essential to help keep our teeth and gums clean. When our mouths become excessively dry, bacteria can grow along our gum line, which could lead to a condition known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of a more serious dental condition known as periodontal disease. If left unchecked, periodontal disease can weaken the bone support for your teeth and possibly lead to tooth loss.
To help solve dry mouth, drink plenty of fluids, especially if you’re taking a nasal decongestant. Sucking on cough drops can also help encourage saliva flow, and running a humidifier in your home will keep the air moist, helping to prevent you from becoming dehydrated.
Keep Brushing and Flossing When You’re Sick
Getting out of bed to attend to your oral health might be the last thing you want to do when you’re sick. We can’t stress enough how important it is to keep brushing and flossing right through the lifespan of your illness.
That’s because neglecting your oral health can lead to plaque buildup, which puts you at risk for gingivitis and tooth decay.
Also, your recovery from your cold or flu can be delayed if your immune system is fighting bacterial growth in your mouth.
If you’re feeling too sick to brush or floss, try a soothing anti-bacterial mouth rinse to keep your mouth as clean as possible until you’re back on your feet and can resume your regular dental hygiene routine.
Can a sore throat cause tooth pain?
Although it might seem that a throat infection or sinuses could cause a toothache, chances are your sore throat is a toothache in disguise!
Because of where they’re placed in your jaw, an infected wisdom tooth can actually feel like a sore throat, especially if your lymph nodes are swollen in the same way they would be if you had a cold.
When the pain from your “sore throat” spreads to your wisdom teeth, and is accompanied by other symptoms such as swollen face or jaw, bad taste in your mouth, or pain while chewing, you should book an appointment with your dentist for immediate treatment.
