You take a glass of cold water or just any regular piece of food and you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your tooth. Most of us have experienced something like this at some point in our lives. But what are the common reasons for tooth pain? And how can we deal with them?
Some of the common causes of tooth pain include – cavities, worn down teeth, cracked teeth, periodontal lesions, etc. The best way to deal with them is to visit your nearest dentist.
In this article, we will delve deep into these common causes of tooth pain and sensitivity. We will also explore what you can do to prevent such conditions from ever occurring and what to do once they do occur. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Most Common Causes For Tooth Pain In Bangladesh
There are hundreds of reasons that can cause tooth pain. But these are the most common ones in Bangladesh.
Cavities
Around 50% of all Bangladeshis have cavities. In women, it is a bit higher than in men. Poor oral hygiene, high carbohydrate diet, and malnutrition are the primary causes of cavities here in Bangladesh.
When cavities are deep the temperature of the food and sometimes the food itself irritates the pulp which is a bundle of nerves and vessels at the center of the tooth. And this irritation of the tooth’s nerves causes intense pain.
Prevention
- Brush twice a day after meals
- Floss after brushing
- Rinse mouth with a mild mouthwash (Sensodyne Cool Mint Mouthwash) or warm salt water
- Eat less carbohydrates
- Drink more water
Treatment
If you have a cavity, the only solution to stopping the pain would be to get the infection removed and the tooth restored. In the case of shallow cavities, a simple filling would get the job done. But if the cavity is deep then you might need a root canal treatment.
Cracked Tooth
If you have a cracked tooth that goes deep into the dentin layer of your tooth or even the pulp, the cause of pain works the same as it does for cavities. Food irritates the nerves and it causes sharp pain.
Prevention
- Avoid biting on hard objects
- Do not use your teeth as tools for holding nails or ripping things
- Wear proper head protection when bicycling, motorcycling, or doing sports
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
Treatment
Same as cavities. If the crack is superficial, then a simple filling stops the pain or sensitivity. But if the crack is deep, root canal treatment would be the only option for pain relief.
Worn Down Tooth
Lots of things can cause the tooth to wear down. Most of the common causes in Bangladesh include beetle nut chewing, tooth grinding, high acidic food intake, acid reflux, using a cheap hard toothbrush, or brushing too vigorously. When the outer layer of the tooth is worn off, the pulp is more exposed to the elements causing pain.
Prevention
- Use a soft brush
- Brush softly and properly
- Avoid beetle nut chewing
- Avoid chewing on hard food for long periods
- Mouth guard for tooth grinding or behavioral therapy
- Reduce stress
- Receive treatment for GERD or any gastroesophageal condition
Treatment
For worn-down teeth, the best treatment would be a dental filling to restore the structure of teeth. But do realize that if the wear is too much, root canal treatment might be required.
Deep Periodontal Lesion
Deep periodontal lesions can be caused by poor oral hygiene, malocclusion, or systemic conditions. In this case, an infection can occur on the gum, and bone surrounding the tooth. This causes a gap between the tooth and the surrounding structures.
First of all, this can cause the tooth to become mobile in the socket, exerting unnatural pressure on attached fibers and surrounding structures. This can cause pain and discomfort.
A gap between tooth and bone can leave the roots of the tooth exposed. These roots are highly sensitive. So, when they come in contact with food or drinks, they cause intense pain.
A simple periodontal lesion can slowly progress into a periodontal abscess. At this point, the gap will be even deeper, and there will be an extensive infection and accumulation of pus. Pus may even discharge from between the gum and tooth. Pressure from the pus and inflammation can also cause pain.
Prevention
- Scaling and polishing every 6 months
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Floss regularly
- Mild Mouthwash or salt water rinse daily
- Regular dental checkups
- Taking care of any underlying systemic condition causing periodontal issues
- Correcting malocclusion with braces
Treatment
Initial treatment can be a deep curate around the affected tooth. If the patient does not improve upon follow-up, root canal treatment might be necessary.
If It Hurts, It’s Going To Get Worse
If your tooth starts to hurt, it’s going to get worse if you keep neglecting it. A simple cavity can worsen into an abscess or even cancer.
So, it is best to contact a dental clinic like Lumika Dental In Mirpur, Dhaka as soon as you can if you come across any sort of dental pain or sensitivity.
