Dental pain can be painfully distracting. It’s generally best to head to your dentist as soon as possible to help reduce the pain (and any damage) in its tracks.
Here are 5 common reasons why your teeth might be hurting and when to seek professional help.
1. Sensitive teeth
Many people assume having sensitive teeth means little more than a sharp sting when eating something hot or cold. But, sensitive teeth can also be quite painful.
If you have sensitive teeth, it suggests there has been some sort of damage, such as plaque, tooth decay, cracks, receded gums, or wear and tear to the enamel.
Your dentist will be able to determine the exact cause and let you know how to best improve the problem.
In the meantime, you could try using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoiding any foods or drinks that exacerbate the sensitivity.
2. Tooth decay
Tooth decay is relatively common, and one of the first signs is dental pain.
In the case of decay, plaque, bacteria, and acids wear away at a tooth, creating a hole (also known as a cavity). A dentist will usually put in a filling to fix the problem, although major cases of decay may require a root canal.
To prevent tooth decay, cut down on sugary foods, drink water instead of juice or soft drink, brush your teeth twice daily, and floss often.
3. A broken filling
A filling is a strong, hard-wearing solution to dental decay, but it’s not infallible. Should a filling break or crack in some way, you could easily experience similar pain to what you felt prior to having the filling done. You will need to make a return trip to the dentist to have it fixed.
4. Dental abscess
The pain from a dental abscess is often accompanied by a fever and a bad taste or smell in the mouth.
It’s essentially an infection, and is caused by bacteria. It can occur within the tooth or the gum, and regardless of where it is, you will need to see a dentist as soon as possible to fix the problem.
Depending on the placement of the abscess and the type, the dentist may simply need to clean it out, or perform a root canal. Either way – you’ll feel much better afterwards!
5. Wisdom teeth
Not everyone grows wisdom teeth, but those that do know they can be painful in more ways than one.
For some, wisdom teeth growing through the gum is a good reminder of the pain of growing new teeth from childhood. In some cases, this is the extent of the pain as the teeth grow through with plenty of space and don’t interfere with other teeth.
For the less fortunate, wisdom teeth can be a painful (and expensive) problem. They can grow in and push other teeth away, which can be very painful. They can become abscessed, or cause infection.
Fortunately, regular dental check ups and x-rays will ensure your dentist spots these issues before they arise, and he or she may suggest having the teeth removed before they can start causing problems.
Dental pain relief
If you are suffering from dental pain, a powerful painkiller such as Maxigesic® can help you manage the discomfort until you can see a dentist.
That said, an annual check up with your dentist should catch plenty of these issues in their early stages, so they can either be prevented or dealt with before you need to resort to painkillers to make it through the day.
Important information This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare professional. If symptoms persist or you need specialist guidance, please consult your healthcare professional.
MAXIGESIC® film-coated tablets are for the temporary relief of pain and reduction of fever and the discomfort associated with fever. Incorrect use can be harmful. Do not use if you have asthma or a stomach ulcer. Do not use in children under 12 years or if you have kidney disease. Do not exceed the daily recommended dose. Always read the label and use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist or side effects develop, contact your healthcare professional. AFT Pharmaceuticals, Auckland, New Zealand. TAPS PP5641 NZ Patent No. 552181.
Do NOT combine with any other Paracetamol or Ibuprofen-containing medicines. Do NOT exceed the daily recommended dose.
