Tooth pain can feel like a sharp stab, a dull throb or an ongoing searing pain that radiates into the jaw and cheek. Tooth pain should not be ignored or treated with pain relievers indefinitely, because it can signal an underlying problem with the teeth or gums that might require attention from a dentist.
Causes in Adults
Causes of tooth pain in adults include decay, injury and periodontal disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that dental problems can increase as people age due to lack of insurance, lower incomes and immobility.
Decay occurs when plaque, a sticky film comprised of bacteria, food particles and acids, adheres to the teeth and is not removed. Plaque attacks the tooth’s protective coating, enamel, causing cavities. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that periodontal disease, or gum disease, arises when plaque hardens into tartar and bacteria attacks the gums. Periodontal disease can cause gum inflammation and abscesses and can damage the tissue and bones that support the teeth.
Treatment for Adults
Tooth pain in adults can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. Tooth decay, cavities and physical injury must be treated by a dentist to resolve the underlying cause of tooth pain. Periodontal disease is treated through deep cleaning of the gums or surgery.
Causes in Children
Children frequently experience pain from the tooth eruption process. Pain arises when the baby teeth erupt through the gums, when baby teeth become loose and “wiggle” and when the permanent teeth push through the gums. Prior to tooth eruption, the gums can become infected and develop a painful abscess.
Children can experience pain from tooth decay, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The teeth can also be cracked or broken if the child’s mouth is struck, leading to tooth pain.
Treatment for Children
Check for tooth eruption by running your finger along the child’s gums and feeling for the nubs of teeth that are nearing the surface. Pain can be eased by applying ice wrapped in a clean cloth to the gums. Pain relievers such as orally administered aspirin or over-the-counter creams or gels that numb pain can also help.
If you notice discoloration or damage to your child’s teeth or gums, contact a dentist. He can determine if an infection has developed or damage has occurred and provide treatment.
Prevention
Prevent tooth pain by cleaning the mouth and teeth. For babies, clean the gums with a cloth after feeding and use a soft brush when baby teeth have come through. Do not allow infants and toddlers to fall asleep with bottles containing liquids other than water, because sugary drinks encourage the production of plaque.
Children and adults should brush their teeth twice and floss once each day. Regular visits to the dentist to have tartar removed can prevent periodontal disease. A sealer can be applied to children’s teeth to help prevent decay, and drinking water containing fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wear protective mouth gear when engaging in risky sports such as boxing or football to prevent physical damage to the teeth.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Oral Health for Older Americans
- MayoClinic.com: Cavities/tooth decay
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Periodontal (Gum) Disease
- Columbia University College of Dental Medicine: A Parent’s Guide to Tooth Eruption
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Children’s Oral Health
