When it comes to tooth decay, there are some very specific signs and symptoms that people should be on the lookout for. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, it would be best that they make an appointment with their dentist as soon as possible, in order to maintain a healthy dental routine.
As cavities progress, tooth decay can quickly set in, and the steps to have this alleviated and fixed can mean more money and time for the patient.
Common signs and symptoms of tooth decay
It is important that when a cavity first begins to form, a person typically does not have any symptoms at all. It takes visiting a dentist for your bi-annual cleaning and check-up for them to see the signs that a cavity is forming or has formed already.
Once a cavity has formed, decay can begin to set in, and it is important to realize that these signs and symptoms can indicate that a cavity is present, and tooth decay is starting.
Toothaches
When someone experiences a toothache, this is typically an indicator that something is not right with the tooth. If someone is experiencing any spontaneous pain or tooth pain that does not seem to have any apparent reason, but it can indicate a cavity or the start of tooth decay.
Tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can be normal for people. However, if there is a sudden change in tooth sensitivity for a certain tooth, this could be another indicator of a cavity. It is important to note when the sensitivity began and give this information to your dentist. This can help them in assessing the tooth for a cavity or tooth decay.
Sharp or sudden pain when eating or drinking hot, sweet or cold foods and drinks
If someone begins to notice that they are having sharp or sudden pain when eating or drinking certain foods or drinks, this can be another indicator. Again, it is important to note what is causing sudden pain. It would need to be over multiple instances, and not just one time. However, when it begins to happen, this typically continues occurring. Informing your dentist of this can also be helpful for them to asses and determine what is happening to cause the pain.
Visible staining on the surface of a tooth
If someone begins to notice that stains are forming on a tooth and the stains are brown, black or white, this could be another indicator of tooth decay. Visible signs of stains on the tooth's surface can mean that the tooth itself has started to take over due to erosion over time. Noting when you first noticed the stains would be helpful to your dentist. If this occurs with some of the other indicators that were mentioned above, it is important to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
You know a cavity is bad news from your dentist. But do you really understand the dangers of a tooth cavity—or how you got it? Cavities are permanent holes that form in the teeth when bacteria eat away at the layers of your teeth. For a healthier mouth and a brighter smile, it helps to know the difference between fact and fiction about cavities and how to prevent tooth decay. Here's the truth about common myths.
Myth #1: Sugary sodas and sweets are the only foods that cause cavities.
Yes, sugar can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Bacteria in your mouth break sugars down into acids, which attack your teeth. However, there are other foods you need to worry about, too. Sticky foods let bacteria linger on your teeth, leading to tooth decay. Food and drinks high in acid, even sugar-free sodas, contribute to tooth decay, too. The acid can destroy the enamel coating that normally protects your teeth. Frequent snacking during the day also increases bacteria and acids on your teeth. Stick to eating just at mealtime, and drink water in between.
Myth #2: Fill it and forget it.
You should never ignore a cavity. Cavities need treatment, which involves your dentist filling in the hole. Without fillings, you may have extreme pain, lose your tooth, and even develop serious infections. It's still important to take care of your teeth after a tooth filling. Bacteria keep building up around tooth fillings. Sometimes fillings crack or break down. A tooth with a filling can even decay more without proper care. Brush and floss carefully and get regular checkups.
Myth #3: Regular brushing is enough to prevent cavities.
Brushing is essential to protect your teeth from decay. It's not enough on its own, though. You also need to avoid foods and drinks high in sugar and acid, especially sticky foods and hard candy you suck on for a long time because both let sugar coat your teeth. It's also important to floss your teeth every day. This loosens bacteria and food particles that get stuck between teeth. Using a fluoride rinse each day also helps prevent cavities.
Myth #4: Gum is bad for my teeth.
Gum that contains sugar contributes to cavities. However, sugar-free gum actually protects your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum helps your mouth make more saliva. Saliva washes away the bacteria and acid in your mouth. This helps protect your teeth from tooth decay and makes you less likely to get cavities. Chew sugar-free gum after meals for a healthier mouth.
Myth #5: My teeth don't hurt, so I don't have a cavity.
Cavities don't always cause pain, especially when they're first forming. The early stages of tooth decay often cause no symptoms at all. As the hole in your tooth grows larger, you'll likely experience pain and sensitivity to hot and cold. The tooth might become discolored and develop pits. Regular dental visits help spot the early signs of decay and prevent cavities from growing.
Myth #6: Cavities in baby teeth don't matter.
Healthy baby teeth mean healthy permanent teeth. Decay in baby teeth may mean a child's teeth fall out before permanent teeth are ready to come in. That can lead to the teeth not lining up right and to teeth that move around. This can keep healthy permanent teeth from growing in the right spot. Cavities in baby teeth also can be painful and cause serious infection in children. You're never too young to learn the importance of healthy teeth and the right way to care for them.
You might notice a white spot on the tongue after experiencing discomfort or when checking inside your mouth after brushing your teeth. Most of these spots or patches go away by themselves, but it's worth visiting a dentist to have them checked out if they linger. Oral thrush, canker sores and leukoplakia are the most common causes of white spots on the tongue. Here are a few conditions that can cause white spots on your tongue, and when it's time to see your dentist.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush, an overgrowth of a naturally occurring fungus, often appears when the immune system is depressed. Babies, denture wearers, patients with cancer, HIV and other immune-compromising conditions, anemia and diabetes patients, smokers and dry mouth sufferers are all at a higher than normal risk of developing oral thrush. A course of antibiotics can also trigger an attack.
It's rarely serious, but a long-term infection may require treatment. Creamy white lesions on the tongue are one sign of thrush; other symptoms include:
White patches in other areas of the mouth
Lesions that look like cottage cheese
Red, cracked corners of the mouth and lips
Loss of taste
Cotton mouth or dry mouth
Scraping oral thrush spots usually removes the white coating, but this can also cause slight bleeding.
Apthous Ulcers (Canker Sore)
A white spot on the tongue surrounded by a red, inflamed halo is probably an apthous ulcer, more commonly referred to as a canker sore. Aphthous ulcers is a painful inflammatory condition that occurs in the oral soft tissue and on the tongue - often as one or more oval/round or well-defined, grey-yellow ulcerations surrounded by redness..
These common and recurring lesions can be small or large and appear on their own or in groups. Canker sores are often painful, and scraping doesn't remove them.
Viruses, bacteria and immune system issues are some suspected causes of canker sores. Trauma, allergies, stress, cigarette smoking, medicines, hormones, iron and vitamin deficiencies make you more susceptible.
Leukoplakia
White or greyish patches called leukoplakia usually appear on the gums, the bottom of the mouth or the insides of the cheeks, but sometimes they appear on the tongue as well. Wiping or scraping does not change their appearance or texture, which may be thick or hardened. You would usually not have any symptoms from your leukoplakia.
Chewing or smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol cause most cases of leukoplakia, and about 75 percent of smokeless tobacco users develop leucoplakia. The condition also carries a small risk of developing into oral cancer - it is therefore important to see your dentist regularly for check of the leukoplakia.
Hairy Leukoplakia
Fuzzy white patches that appear on the sides of the tongue as ridges or folds are symptoms of hairy leukoplakia. These patches result from infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which lasts a lifetime but remains dormant in the body until a weakened immune system sparks an attack.
When to Visit Your Dentist
If a white spot on the tongue doesn't go away after a week to ten days, visit your doctor to have it checked. Some conditions, like thrush, may go away on their own, but it's always wise to go see your dentist or doctor for a consultation to make sure it's not something more.
To help keep your mouth fresh and healthy and reduce the risks of white spots and other problems, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and quit smoking. We also recommend using a medicated alcohol-free mouthwash such as Peroxyl Medicated Mouthwash. This mouthwash facilitates healing and alleviates discomfort caused by minor mouth and gum irritations, such as aphthous ulcers, pericoronitis and trauma from fixed orthodontic braces. Most people experience white spots on the tongue at some point in their lives and for many they're a common occurrence. Though the spots are unlikely to be harmful, they could be a sign of something more serious. If you're concerned, a check-up at your dentist can put your mind at rest.
Mouth ulcers are not uncommon but developing a sore on the roof of your mouth can still have you concerned. Nevertheless, the location of this oral sore has many possible sources, so you shouldn't immediately assume the worst. In fact, if you have a sore on the roof of your mouth tissue, you may have one of these four conditions:
1. Burns
Bumps on the roof of your mouth are sometimes just a burn, particularly after a hot meal. This phenomenon is known as "pizza palate" because fresh slices of pizza are usually the cause of irritation in this part of the mouth. However, pizza isn't the only food that can burn your mouth; any hot food can have this effect. Hot drinks, like coffee or tea, can lead to similar burns.
A burned palate usually heals by itself within three to seven days. To ease your discomfort in the meantime, stick to soft foods and cool drinks. If the pain is severe, your dentist may recommend using a product to ease the sensation in your sores and promote quicker healing. If the area is still sore after seven days, don't hesitate to see your dentist.
2. Canker Sores
Canker sores can always develop on the inside of your cheeks, but don't be surprised to feel them on the roof of your mouth as well. Canker sores are round, sensitive masses whose origins depend on the case. Researchers think these sores may be caused by problems with the immune system, and are therefore triggered through factors like stress, certain foods and hormonal changes.
Generally, people will get one to three canker sores per instance, but some may develop upwards of 10 or more sores at one time. These sores usually hurt for a little over a week, then disappear completely after two weeks. While you wait for your mouth to heal, you may benefit from eating bland foods to avoid irritating your sores. Of course, your dentist could also prescribe a pain-relieving gel for you to apply to your sores during the recovery process. If your sores haven't healed after these two weeks, they should be checked out by your dentist.
3. Cold Sores
Sores on the roof of your mouth – particularly those that don't dissipate right away – may ultimately be cold sores. A common growth caused by the herpes simplex virus, cold sores are usually found on the lips, but they can also be found on the hard palate. These sores present themselves as painful, fluid-filled blisters; the blisters later rupture and crust over as less-painful lesions.
Cold sores usually become crustier within four days of appearing and will heal completely after eight to 10 days. While they're healing, avoid touching or picking at them, just as you would for a scab. If the sores don't go away by themselves, as you know, your dentist is happy to help.
4. Oral Cancer
Although some of the sores that form on the roof of your mouth are harmless, not all of them are best left alone. Sores on the roof of your mouth can sometimes be a symptom of oral cancer. And if you have a sore on the roof of your mouth that hasn't healed after two weeks, you need to see your dentist as soon as you can for an evaluation. Oral cancer is most treatable when it's caught early, so it's important to bring suspicious sores to your dentist's attention right away.
If your dentist suspects a sore is cancerous, they will send you to an oral surgeon for an oral evaluation and perform a biopsy of the tissue. If cancer is found, treatment can start just as quickly. This treatment often involves surgically removing the cancerous sore, and afterward, radiation or chemotherapy to be sure it doesn't affect other cells.
If you develop a sore in roof of mouth tissue, there's no need to assume the cause is out of your control. These sores can have many drivers, ranging from harmless to the more invasive. Many of them go away on their own, but a sore on the roof of your mouth that doesn't heal within two weeks is the perfect reason to see your dentist for an evaluation – and a regular check-up.
Even after trying your best to prevent tooth decay, sometimes the dentist finds a little cavity or two. It may be tempting to put off tooth decay treatment when you're not feeling any pain, but procrastination comes with a price: Tooth decay doesn't repair itself, and what starts out as a minor problem can quickly become serious, changing your treatment options dramatically.
The Start of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is actually a very sneaky disease that typically begins before a patient even notices, says the American Dental Association (ADA). Sticky bacterial plaque forms on your teeth and uses sugars in the foods you eat to create acids. These strong acids slowly soften and dissolve the hard enamel covering your teeth. Left untreated, decay will work its way through all the layers of your tooth.
Signs and Severity of Tooth Decay
You won't notice pain and sensitivity until decay goes through the enamel into the dentin layer, the Academy of General Dentistry notes. Dentin is made up of tiny nerve endings that become irritated and cause sensitivity when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, sticky and sour foods. You may also feel discomfort when biting down and find that food frequently gets trapped between your teeth.
Decay spreads rapidly through dentin because it is much softer than enamel. Root decay also spreads quickly, since the cementum covering on the root is not as hard and thick as enamel. Be warned that as tooth decay continues, your pain may be more frequent and intense.
It is important to remember that infection develops when decay and bacteria reach the pulp portion of your tooth, which contains the nerves and blood vessels. The ADA notes that pain from an abscessed tooth is persistent, serious and will likely keep you up at night. Other symptoms include fever, facial swelling and a bad taste in your mouth. You may notice pus draining from a red swelling on your gum near the root tip. Consequences can be serious if the infection spreads into your jawbone or throughout your body.
Tooth Decay Treatment
If your dentist detects a small area of erosion on your enamel before it reaches the dentin, he may suggest an approach that would help repair the spot. This process might include using mouthrinses, toothpastes or filling materials that contain fluoride, calcium and phosphates. Ask your dentist about using a fluoride varnish for treatment of early decay and cavity prevention.
When decay reaches the dentin, there is no turning back. A small cavity can be repaired with either an amalgam filling (composed of silver and other metals) or a tooth-colored resin material. If the tooth has lost a lot of its structure, however, your dentist may need to do a crown. Crowns strengthen and restore shape and function to your teeth, but they cost quite a bit more than a simple filling.
An abscessed tooth is the worst-case scenario, and your treatment options are slim: You can either opt for a root canal treatment or an extraction, though dentists will typically only do extractions when there are no other means of saving the tooth. Should you require a root canal, your dentist or an endodontist will remove the diseased pulp and clean and seal the pulp chamber; the ADA website contains more details about this process. After root canal treatment, teeth can become more brittle and break easily. If you lost a lot of tooth structure due to decay, your dentist may also recommend a crown for your tooth.
Do you see a pattern here? The longer you put off dental treatment, the more involved and expensive it becomes — and the more pain you may have to endure. The moral of this story is to go to the dentist at the first sign of trouble. Better yet, prevent decay from occurring by brushing and flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for a more thorough cleaning and checkup.
It is no fun to have tooth pain. But, did you know that pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck can mean several different things.
But what makes having tooth pain or a toothache the NUMBER ONE reason you need to see your dentist? Let’s discuss the Top Ten Symptoms or reasons why you are experiencing tooth pain:
Top 10 Symptoms of Tooth Pain:
Symptom 1: Toothache
If you are experiencing pain in your mouth or jaw, it could be because of a toothache. A toothache usually reveals a cavity, but they can also indicate gum disease. It could also be the sign of an impacted tooth or abscess. A toothache should be evaluated by your dentist right away to find out the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying.
Symptom 2: Sensitive Teeth
You may have sensitive teeth, if you experience pain or your teeth hurt when you drink cold or hot beverages.
This can be the result of:
fractured teeth
tooth decay
worn tooth enamel
worn fillings
gum disease
exposed tooth root due to receding gums
Treatment will depend on the source of your sensitivity. See your dentist for a diagnosis and to discuss your treatment options.
Symptom 3: Sore or Bleeding Gums
Sore or bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease that can be reversed. Or simply, the result of beginning a new flossing routine or brushing too hard. If your gums regularly bleed, schedule a dental appointment, as it could be a sign that something else is wrong.
Symptom 4: Mouth Sores
Types of mouth sores include cold sores, canker sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis. They vary in their severity and causes.
Mouth sores could be the symptom of:
disorder or disease
bacterial infection
viruses or fungus
simply result from irritation caused by braces, dentures
irritation caused by the sharp edge of a filling or broken tooth
Your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer.
Symptom 5: Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by
what you eat
not cleaning your mouth
dry mouth
smoking
other medical conditions
Persistent bad breath can also be one of the warning signs of gum disease. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are essential to reducing bad breath and preventing gum disease. Brushing your tongue can help too. If you are concerned about what’s causing your bad breath, see your dentist. They can determine the cause and treatment plan.
Symptom 6: Jaw Pain or Popping/Clicking in the Jaw
There are many things that can cause these symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose.
Possible causes include:
sinus problems
toothache
arthritis
injury
teeth grinding
gingivitis
problems with your jaw, like TMJ
Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, which may include X-rays, to determine the source of the pain.
Symptom 7: Dry Mouth
Saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay. It washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth. If you have dry mouth it may be the symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications. Your dentist can recommend ways to help moisture.
Symptom 8: Oral Piercing Infection
Oral piercings can create a wide range of problems for your health, oral and otherwise. Your mouth is home to huge amounts of bacteria, creating an ideal place for infection to start.
If you have any signs of infection:
swelling
pain
fever
chills
shaking
red-streaked appearance around the site of the piercing
contact your dentist or physician immediately.
Symptom 9: Broken or Cracked Teeth
A broken or cracked tooth can happen for a variety of reasons:
brittle teeth
teeth grinding
injury
The crack may be invisible to the naked eye and even X-ray, but they can be incredibly painful and create bigger problems if left untreated. If you experience pain when chewing see your dentist. They can diagnose the cause and develop a plan for treatment.
Symptom 10: Stained or Discolored Teeth
Over time your teeth can become stained and change color.
This is often the result of:
eating certain foods, such as coffee or tea
smoking
aging
genetics
injury
certain medications
Whitening options can include over the counter or in-office treatments. Check with your dentist about your options for stain removal that are both safe and effective.
Whether you are suffering from a sinus infection or tooth pain, chances are your daily life is being affected. While these two ailments may seem to be harmless, they can easily turn more serious and require medical or dental intervention. It can be difficult to know where the pain is coming from when it gets severe, so knowing the tell-tale signs is essential so you can schedule an appointment with the right medical professional.
Sinus Issues
If you have ever had a sinus issue, you know that it can affect every part of your face and head. The pain, when severe, can cause swelling and spread as low as the jawline and as high as the top of the brow. Here are some ways to know if it is truly the sinus that ails you:
Symmetrical Pain. When you have a sinus infection, your pain will usually mirror itself. If you only have pain on one side of your face, then it may not be a sinus issue at all.
Other Symptoms. Sinus problems are usually accompanied by other cold symptoms such as headache, runny nose or congestion, and sore throat. In severe cases, you will notice a gradual, low-grade fever.
Family History. Having frequent sinus issues or allergies can be blamed on genetics. If you have a family history of these things, you may be more susceptible yourself.
Absence of Dental Pain. A true test to know whether or not the pain you have is from your sinuses is to apply pressure directly to your teeth or gums. While your sinus cavities can be tender to the touch, they will not cause a tooth to be tender.
Tooth Aches and Pains
We all get a toothache every now and then. The question is whether or not your toothache turns severe enough to require a dental appointment. At the first sign of a toothache, it is important to note any other symptoms – such as a sudden onset of fever, bleeding or swelling of the gums, or difficulty moving your jaw. It is crucial not to wait when you notice a toothache getting worse, as you may require emergency dental assistance or tooth extraction. How do you know if it is truly a toothache?
Tender to the touch. Push your tongue or your finger on the tooth, if the pain gets worse, you most likely are touching the area of inflammation and pain.
Fever. Sudden onset of a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Difficulty Speaking. If you have trouble speaking or eating due to pain when moving the jaw, there is probably an infection of a tooth or gum.
History of Dental Issues. People who have had previous toothaches, tooth decay, cavities, or other oral health problems are at a higher risk of suffering from toothaches. If you know you are prone to this pain, it is important to communicate with your dentist.
Prevention and Treatment
Whether it is a sinus problem or a toothache, it is important to speak with your doctor or dentist. When severe, both ailments may require antibiotics. For a toothache, an immediate extraction may be necessary. You will need to consult with your general practitioner about prevention and treatment of your sinus issues, but here are some things you can do to avoid toothaches:
Avoid sugar.
Brush twice per day.
Floss daily.
Drink a lot of water.
See your dentist at least twice per year for annual cleaning, a set of x-rays, and check-ups.
You might be familiar with the oral numbness that occurs due to local anesthesia during dental procedures. A spontaneously numb mouth — without anesthesia — is a less common occurrence. If your mouth has become numb for no apparent reason, you may be concerned. Here are some potential causes and how you can seek treatment.
Abnormal Sensation vs. Lost Sensation
Oral paresthesia refers to an abnormal sensation in the mouth. These sensations may include tingling, prickling or feeling like your mouth is swollen or burning, reports an article published in Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research.
Alternately, oral hypoesthesia refers to a loss of sensation in the mouth, explains the textbook Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. People with this type of numbness may notice that they're less able to sense various stimuli inside their mouths. For example, you may be less able to perceive temperature, touch or pressure in the affected areas.
Possible Causes of Numbness in the Mouth
Whether you feel strange sensations in your mouth or you've lost the ability to feel inside your mouth at all, there are many possible causes, including oral conditions and conditions that affect the whole body.
Hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia, a low level of calcium in the blood, can cause numbness around the mouth or in other parts of the body, reports the Cleveland Clinic. This condition most commonly occurs with individuals who don't have parathyroid glands or who have a severe vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin Deficiency: Deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate may also be responsible for a numb mouth. As the U.K.'s National Health Service explains, these vitamins help keep your nerves healthy, so without a sufficient amount of them, you can experience a pins-and-needles sensation.
Hypoglycemia: A numb tongue or mouth is one of the possible symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), explains the Cleveland Clinic. It may affect people who use insulin or other medications to manage their diabetes. Factors such as skipping meals, taking too much medication or not eating enough carbohydrates can lead to low blood sugar.
Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis, a central nervous system disease, may cause numbness in the face or other areas. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society explains that this numbness can range from mild to severe. In cases that affect the mouth, people may accidentally bite their tongues or the insides of their cheeks while eating.
Psychological Conditions: Numbness in the mouth can be caused by psychological conditions, as reported by the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research article. This phenomenon, known as psychogenic oral paresthesia, can affect people with anxiety disorders or depression and often affects the tongue.
Nerve-Related Paresthesia: According to a report in the Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, the inferior alveolar nerve — one of the nerves often involved in dental treatment and surgery — can be a source of oral paresthesia. After dental work, a patient may experience altered sensation or numbness in the lips, cheek, tongue and inside of the mouth.
Allergic Reaction: Some people experience allergic reactions in their mouths after eating certain fruits or vegetables. These reactions, known as oral allergy syndrome, can lead to a tingling sensation inside the mouth, explains Oxford University Hospitals.
Seizures: Partial seizures, which affect a limited area of the brain, can cause various symptoms throughout the body, depending on the part of the brain that's affected. The National Institutes of Health reports that abnormal sensations, such as tingling or numbness, may be associated with seizures.
Burning Mouth Syndrome: Tingling in the mouth can also be related to a complex condition called burning mouth syndrome. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), this condition describes a burning, tingling or numb sensation in the mouth, and it can be caused by nerve damage or an underlying health condition, such as an oral infection, diabetes or acid reflux.
Oral Cancer: In rare cases, mouth numbness may be a sign of oral cancer, notes the NIDCR. Oral cancer can form on the tongue, gums and other areas inside the mouth. This type of cancer is often related to the use of alcohol or tobacco or infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV).
Diagnosis and Treatment
To find out what's causing your mouth numbness, see your doctor or dentist. They will ask questions about your symptoms and your medical history and, if necessary, perform testing. Testing may include allergy assessments, blood tests or other tests your doctor deems necessary.
Once the cause of the numbness has been determined, your doctor will discuss treatment options. For example, if a vitamin deficiency is to blame, you might be prescribed a vitamin supplement. In cases where a psychological cause is suspected, medications such as antidepressants may be helpful. Treatment for oral cancer might include surgery and radiation therapy. Your doctor or dentist can provide more specific information about the appropriate treatment for you.
A wide variety of conditions can lead to numbness in the mouth, but treatments are available. If your mouth is feeling numb, make an appointment with your doctor or dentist.
A tooth can break due to some reasons, such as an accident or tooth decay. It can cause pain and swelling, which interfere with eating or drinking water. You may also experience a persistent throbbing sensation in your head or face. One way to relieve the pain is by taking an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen, which helps reduce inflammation and swelling in your mouth.
Causes Of Broken Tooth
Teeth break for any number of reasons. Common causes include: chewing on hard objects, extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold), and teeth grinding. It’s essential to maintain a regular dental checkup so that you can catch these issues early before they become much more severe problems.
Pressure from teeth grinding – Frequent teeth grinding can cause cracked tooth enamel due to the repetitive stress and friction of chewing. People who have chronic bruxism don’t even know they’re doing it while asleep because many episodes happen at night. These cracks usually start small but become more significant over time if left untreated.
Chewing on hard foods – Some foods that are often overlooked as detrimental to teeth, such as hard candies and stale bread, can be just a couple of the causes for cracked teeth. To avoid this terrible mishap from happening, it is important to chew slowly and mindfully when eating food with pits throughout or anything else rough on tooth enamel like ice cubes or un-popped popcorn kernels.
Blows to the mouth (such as car accident, sporting injury, fall, or even a fistfight) – The mouth is a sensitive body area. A direct hit can cause chipped teeth, fractures, and other severe oral injuries such as loosened or knocked-out teeth that should be considered a dental emergency requiring prompt attention. These are often due to unexpected fall, sports incidents, or even car accidents which may result not only in possible dental damages but also facial ones if the head isn’t adequately secured during impact.
Sudden changes in temperature in the mouth – When tooth enamel is rapidly exposed to opposite extreme temperature, it can lead to hairline cracks. It occurs because the outer layer of your teeth is constantly expanding and contracting due to different temperature. When they do so too quickly, fractures may form and worsen or be made larger by preexisting surface damage.
Age – With age comes the wear and tear of tooth enamel that makes our teeth more vulnerable than when we were younger—this leads many people over 50 years old to experience frequent cracking due to weaknesses caused by this deterioration. To combat these issues, make sure your dentist records any sign of weakness during regular checkups; most common cases happen because neglected repairs have led us down.
How To Manage The Pain From Broken Or Chipped Tooth
When you’re not sure how to cope with a broken tooth, it can be challenging to know where to start. The pain may come and go depending on the severity of your injury– but if nerves or dentin are exposed, expect sensitivity. If there is a sharp edge, it could cause severe cuts in your tongue and cheek. Until you can see a dentist, there are ways to treat pain from an acute injury at home that will make life more tolerable in the meantime; these treatments should never replace seeing a doctor or dentist when possible for best results.
Use ice for swollen face – When your face starts to swell, it’s essential to take care of the area by applying ice. Cover a cold pack with a towel and place it on top of any areas where you’re experiencing swelling or bruising for 15 minutes at a time until everything goes back down again. If this is due to sports injury, expect some days without improvement as well as other symptoms like pain in the jawbone.
Use gauze to stop bleeding – If blood flows from the wound, place clean gauze inside the mouth and apply pressure. If it soaks through and continues to bleed, add another layer for more surface area on top of the bleeding point and press down firmly until there is no longer any flow coming out. Replace as necessary with fresh material to avoid infection and ensure optimal care of your wound. The bleeding should stop after a couple of minutes, but if it doesn’t, you can add more and keep applying pressure until there’s no blood seeping through any of the layers.
What you eat – Broken teeth often mean eating and drinking can be a challenge, and there are some things to avoid that will help. Since it causes extra sensitivity, avoid solid foods, sugary or acidic food items like citrus fruits and sodas and any hot or cold drinks that are more painful on the damaged teeth. If you put any pressure on your damaged teeth, it may cause the breakage to worsen, so only chew with another side of the mouth.
The best foods to eat are those that do not require chewing and can be swallowed with liquid. Stick with softer foods such as rice porridge, yogurt, mashed potatoes or pudding instead of crunchy vegetables.
Use oral medication to relieve pain – A quick, simple way for many people to effectively reduce mild-to-moderate toothaches is with over the counter medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). However, it’s crucial not to over-medicate and stay within recommended dosage on packaging. If pain persists, it can be a sign of something more severe and should be checked out by a dentist who may recommend stronger medications.
Final Thoughts
Broken teeth are not a typical dental emergency, but they can be painful and worrisome. While there are many different ways to manage the pain caused by a broken tooth, it’s always best to contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Facial pain can be the result of joint, muscular, or other dental issues. Although the pain may also be caused by a psychological or neurological issue. Whatever the cause of your discomfort, you should never ignore any pain oral problem. Pain acts as the body’s alarm system. When it goes off it usually means that something worse will eventually happen if you don’t seek treatment.
Finding the Source
If you suffer from oral discomfort, our team at Slater Family Dental will be able to recognize and treat it. Treatments range from neuropathic, muscle, joint, and other conditions that result in oral pain in the face and mouth. Most of the conditions that cause this type of discomfort can be treated. At our Aloha dental office, some conditions may require being referred to a specialist.
Determining if a joint or muscle is the source of your pain can be difficult. However, if the source of the discomfort seems to radiate from near the jaw joints. Range-of-motion tests can help determine if the joint or muscle is the cause of the problem.
If the joint is the issue, you’ll experience a limited amount of jaw movement. While the pain is the result of a muscle issue. In addition, you will typically have trouble opening your mouth. Patients who suffer from joint issues will also experience discomfort whenever they move their jaw as well.
Muscle Pain
Referred pain occurs when a muscle hurts and the pain seems to radiate out to other, even remote, areas of the body. Pain is felt when the muscle is touched, but the discomfort can also be felt in your teeth or forehead.
Due to the difficult nature of identifying the source of referred pain. Most patients will fail to realize the actual source of their discomfort. Patients may complain of headaches not realizing the actual source of the discomfort is, say, their lower jaw muscle. This makes it necessary for our dentists to conduct a thorough examination. This allows us to determine whether the pain is originating from another area of the body. Once our Aloha dentist accurately determines the true source of your discomfort, a customized treatment plan will determine how best to fix the issue.
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic or nerve pain is very uncommon. However, patients who experience this type of discomfort often believe their problem is oral health-related as nerve pain often seems to radiate from their teeth and gums.
When a patient experiences pain in a tooth, the nerve of a tooth actually runs directly to the brain. When the signal for pain arrives at the brain from the nerve, it tricks the brain into believing the tooth is actually the root cause of the discomfort. If a patient suffers from an abscess, decay, or a fracture, the brain believes that the pain is coming from a certain tooth. While the brain is often right in these situations, in some rare cases the discomfort may actually be caused by a nerve-related issue.
