Dental decay or an area of redness around the tooth's gum line may point to the source of pain. If you tap an infected tooth, it may make the pain more intense. This sign may point to the problem tooth even if the tooth appears normal. A toothache needs to be differentiated from other sources of pain in the face.
Why does my tooth hurt when I tap it?
What Causes a Toothache?
- Gum Disease. Gum disease, or periodontitis , is characterized by an infection of the gums. ...
- Tooth Decay. Tooth decay refers to the gradual destruction and cavity formation in the outer surface, or enamel, of the tooth.
- Sensitive Teeth. ...
- Bruxism. ...
- Inflammation of the Tooth Pulp. ...
- Cracked Tooth. ...
- Abscess. ...
- Impacted Tooth. ...
- Ludwig's Angina. ...
Is your tooth sensitive to tapping or pressure?
Using a small diameter, light, blunt instrument, gently tap on each of your teeth to determine if any are tender or painful when tapped. Note which teeth are tender to tapping. If a tooth is tender or hyper-sensitive to tapping, this may be an indication of inflammation in the tissue surrounding it.
How do you stop your tooth from hurting?
- When to See a Dentist
- 10 Ways to Relieve a Toothache 1. Apply a cold compress. 2. Take an anti-inflammatory. 3. Rinse with salt water. 4. Use a hot pack. 5. Try acupressure. 6. ...
- What to Expect at the Dentist
- Preventing Tooth Pain
How to stop a tooth from hurting?
Ever had a toothache? A throbbing pain so close to your brain you can't think straight? Toothache can range from the mild pain of teething in children to an excruciating one that some women report is worse than that of childbirth, says Dr Raymond Lee Kwong ...
What to do if your tooth is sensitive to pressure?
If you’re suffering from a tooth sensitive to pressure, a cracked filling or any kind of tooth pain, rest assured these problems can be addressed by your dentist or endodontist and through routine personal care.
What is it called when you have a tooth that is sensitive to the dentin?
Tooth sensitivity, or dentin hypersensitivity, happens when gums recede from the tooth, when enamel wears away or when fillings become cracked, broken or missing to expose the irritable dentin underneath.
What toothbrushes are sensitive?
Opt for a sensitive toothbrush, such as Colgate ® Enamel Health Sensitive, which uses extra-soft polishing bristles that can replenish weak spots in tooth enamel and ultimately strengthen your teeth.
Is hypersensitivity to dentin a tooth problem?
Dentin hypersensitivity is one of the most frequently encountered tooth problems, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), but it’s one issue you don’t want to ignore. In some cases, a simple in-office desensitizing therapy can provide you instant relief.
What does it mean when your tooth hurts?
1. Tooth Pain That Comes and Goes in Waves. This is a tooth pain that is less of an ache and more of an irregular jabbing or stabbing sensation within one or several teeth. Usually, you’ll feel this when you move your mouth. Chewing, talking, and opening your mouth can trigger this kind of tooth pain.
Why do my teeth hurt?
Sometimes, tooth pain is simply a result of genetics. Some people have sensitive teeth. If there are no signs of infection or decay, but the teeth are still sensitive to changes in temperature and cold air, this may be the problem.
Why do my teeth have pockets?
It’s an infection of the gum tissue that surrounds and secures your teeth. This infection can cause the gums to lose their grip on the teeth and recede, which results in gaps and pockets. These pockets then fill with bacteria and leave the tooth roots vulnerable to decay.
What is the term for a cavity?
Tooth Decay. Tooth decay is just another word for a cavity. Cavities form when you allow plaque (bacteria) to eat your enamel away. It’s a permanent damage to the outer layer of your tooth, so a dentist is the only one that can fix it. The more the cavity spreads, the more painful it can become.
What to do if you have a toothache?
They’re the only ones qualified to diagnose what the actual problem is. Taking painkillers for a too thache may stop the pain temporarily, but it’s a weak fix at best. You need to treat the underlying issue that’s causing the pain fast.
What is Pulpitis in dentistry?
Inflammation of the Pulp. This condition is commonly referred to as ‘pulpitis.’. It occurs when the tissue in the middle of a tooth becomes irritated and inflamed. This irritation leads to an accumulation of pressure inside the tooth and puts a strain on the gums and surrounding tissue.
Can you avoid tooth pain?
With proper oral hygiene and a regular dental cleaning routine you should be able to avoid most kinds of toothaches. But, if you’re experiencing a pain in the tooth, it’s useful to understand what it could mean. Here’s how you can self-diagnose your tooth pain to explain to your dentist what you’re feeling.
What does it mean when your tooth hurts when you bite it?
Affordable dental care. Takeaway. If you’re noticing pain in a tooth when you bite down or when you touch the tooth, it could be a sign that something’s wrong. You may need treatment to alleviate the pain and possibly address underlying causes.
Why do my teeth ache?
Nasal or sinus congestion. The roots of your upper teeth are very close to your sinuses, so any extra pressure, congestion, or an infection in that area might be responsible, especially if several of your teeth ache rather than just one.
How do you know if you have a cracked tooth?
Other symptoms of a cracked tooth include a sensation that feels like something’s caught between your teeth (even if it isn’t), and pain when eating and drinking. But some people don’t experience any symptoms at all.
Why do my gums pull back?
When your gums begin to pull back from your teeth, they expose more of the tooth surface and can even leave part of the root exposed. This can make your tooth very sensitive and even painful to touch. It’s more common in adults over 40.
What to do if you have recessive gums?
If so, you may need to take an antibiotic, use an antibiotic mouthwash or apply an antibiotic gel on your gums. In severe cases, your dentist may recommend flap surgery or graft some tissue to help the gums regrow.
How to get emergency dental care?
Where to find affordable emergency dental care 1 Dental schools. Dental and dental hygiene schools offer services for a reduced price. But you may need to ask in advance if they provide emergency dental care. 2 Community health centers. You can get free or reduced-cost dental care at a community center funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Bureau of Primary Health Care. 3 Medicaid. Adults who are enrolled in Medicaid, which is a state-run healthcare program for people living on a low income, can usually access emergency dental services. But more comprehensive services vary from state to state and may be limited, depending on where you live. 4 Medicare. If you qualify for this federal program that covers adults over 65, you may be able to access certain kinds of emergency dental care. 5 Veterans Affairs dental insurance program (VADIP). Veterans can apply for dental coverage benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You might also seek out a local VA dental clinic for emergency care.
What is it called when your teeth don't fit together?
Malo cclusion. The way your teeth meet when your jaws come together is called occlusion . When your teeth don’t fit together quite right, they can get worn or cause pain in your teeth when you bite, or even cause pain in your jaw. This is called malocclusi on.
How to tell if your teeth are tender?
Using a small diameter, light, blunt instrument, gently tap on each of your teeth to determine if any are tender or painful when tapped. Note which teeth are tender to tapping. If a tooth is tender or hyper-sensitive to tapping, this may be an indication of inflammation in the tissue surrounding it.
What does it mean when a tooth is cold?
If a tooth is hypersensitive to cold, or if there is a lingering response in comparison to adjacent teeth, it may mean that the tissue inside the tooth is inflamed or irritated.
How to tell if a tooth is reactive to cold?
Taking a small piece of ice, isolate and touch individual teeth to determine if the tooth is reactive to cold, then compare the responses between adjacent teeth. Note which teeth are sensitive to the ice or if there is no feeling at all. If a tooth is non-reactive to cold, it may mean that the tissue inside is dead. If a tooth is hypersensitive to cold, or if there is a lingering response in comparison to adjacent teeth, it may mean that the tissue inside the tooth is inflamed or irritated.
How to get a bite out of your mouth?
Bite down on a cotton swab and hold it between your upper and lower teeth for several seconds. Repeat this, moving the cotton swab to different places in your mouth. Note which teeth are responsive to biting on the swab or which teeth are responsive to releasing the bite. If there is tooth pain when biting down on the cotton swab, or if it’s tender after releasing the bite, this may indicate that the ligament which surrounds the tooth and joins it to the bone is inflamed.