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Why do we feel dental pain?
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We
feel dental pain when the nerves of the teeth are irritated or gums
are inflamed. Although a tooth's nerves are protected by pulp, dentin
and a hard outer enamel layer, damage to these parts of a tooth
can make its nerves vulnerable to irritation, sometimes causing
extreme pain. Inflamed tissues in the mouth can also contribute
to toothache and sore gums when a build-up of white blood cells
causes pressure at the site of injury.
Although not all causes of dental pain are serious, most require
attention from a professional. It is important to get any problem
with your gums or teeth checked out by your dentist.
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There
are many conditions and treatments that can lead to dental pain.
One of the most common reasons for toothache is cavities or "caries."
When bacteria build up in the mouth, a thin, sticky film called
plaque forms around the teeth. The bacteria in the plaque convert
the sugars in food to acids that eat away at the tooth's protective
enamel layer. Once the enamel is gone, the dentin, which surrounds
the tooth's sensitive inner pulp and nerves, is exposed to the bacteria
and a cavity forms. If the cavity is left untreated, it will continue
to grow and eventually reach the nerve of the tooth causing, in
most cases, severe pain.
Infections of the gum, or periodontal (meaning "around the
tooth") disease, are another common cause of dental pain. The
same plaque that contributes to cavities can irritate the gums,
making them inflame then recede to expose the tooth's cementum,
which is the layer of the tooth under the gum tissue that covers
the root. Periodontal disease can lead to chronic inflammation of
the tissues in the mouth and gradual damage of the periodontium.
This will result in the loss of bony support for the teeth and,
eventually, loose teeth.
Other causes of tooth pain include bruxism (tooth grinding or clenching
during sleep that can lead to tooth, gum, bone or jaw joint damage),
and tooth and gum abrasion from frequent or rough tooth brushing.
Dental pain can also be caused by tissue inflammation or nerve irritation
due to oral surgery, such as tooth extraction, or the pressure of
newly tightened braces.
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Symptoms
of cavities may include :
1) Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods, or cold air
2) Dark spots on the teeth
3) Bad breath
4) A tooth that is painful to the touch
Symptoms of periodontal disease may include :
1) Gums that bleed when tooth brushing
2) Sores on the gums
3) Red, swollen, tender gums
4) Receding gums
5) Chronic bad breath
6) Pus between the teeth and gums
7) Loose teeth or a change in the way upper and lower teeth fit
together
Symptoms of tooth and gum abrasion may include :
1)Tooth
sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
2) Eroded tooth enamel and
gums
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1)
Always have your dentist investigate any gum or tooth pain.
2) Take MOTRIN* IB at the first sign of pain, before it becomes
severe.
3) If you aren't eating much because your mouth is very sore, try
taking Children's MOTRIN* Suspension instead of MOTRIN*IB tablets.
4) If you have a toothache, take MOTRIN*IB until you can see your
dentist. You can also rinse your mouth with warm water to clean
it and gently use dental floss to remove food or other debris from
your teeth and gums.
5) Do not put MOTRIN*IB or any painkiller directly against your
gums near an aching tooth because it may burn your dental tissue.
6) Avoid sugary or crunchy foods, or drinks that are too hot or
cold because they may irritate sore teeth or gums.
7) Do not over brush or floss your teeth or they can become damaged
over time. Normal brushing, if done properly, should take place
after meals and before bedtime. Flossing once or twice a day is
also considered normal.
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