What to Do About Your Toothache?
We all know how bothersome a toothache can be. That is especially true if it happens every time you try to have a meal. And the worst thing is that a painful tooth is usually a prelude to another equally vexing issue.
Understandably, the best thing you can do is to schedule a dentist appointment. So, if you need an emergency dentist, you can find out more here. For now, let’s discuss the different reasons and instances of tooth pains and how to treat and relieve them.
Reasons Why Your Tooth Hurts After Eating Certain Things
It’s common knowledge that sweets and candies aren’t the healthiest foods. Regardless, you shouldn’t exactly be experiencing a full-blown toothache when eating sweets. And the same goes for hot and cold foods and beverages.
In fact, you shouldn’t really feel pain when consuming any food or beverage. So, what could be the reason why your tooth hurts after eating sugar? And why do your teeth hurt when you expose them to different temperatures?
Enamel Loss
Loss of enamel is a common reason for any toothache, whether your tooth hurts after eating candy or you’re experiencing a toothache when eating cold or really hot foods. Or, perhaps it simply hurts regardless of what you’re eating. That is because the enamel is the outer layer that protects your teeth from things such as cavities and decay.
Eroded enamel can understandably lead to problems. Without that protective shield, your teeth are left vulnerable to tooth decay, which can be painful, among other things.
That is why it’s imperative to be on guard for any pain or sensitivity and notify your dentist about it. Additionally, here are a few factors that tend to cause enamel erosion:
Brushing Too Hard
It’s good to brush your teeth often. However, you shouldn’t go too hard on them in the physical sense. Brushing too hard or using a brush with harsh bristles can take a toll on your teeth and cause your enamel to wear off over time. Instead, you should always make sure to use brushes with softer bristles and brush in gentle, circular motions.
Acidic Foods
Your eating habits can also affect your enamel, which can erode, leading to eating troubles, and then you can end up in a vicious cycle of tooth problems. For example, foods such as cranberries, tomatoes, pickles, and so on, as well as alcoholic drinks and coffee, can all be damaging to your teeth. These acidic foods and beverages can lead to your enamel wearing away and leave your tooth exposed and prone to cavities and discoloration.
Cavities
If your tooth hurts after eating sweets or having an overly hot or cold beverage, it might as well be a cavity that’s causing it. That, however, is a worse option compared to enamel loss. But it’s not necessarily a death sentence for your tooth. You can still get a filling and fix it all up. However, if you do experience teeth sensitivity, be sure to pay your dentist a quick little visit as soon as you can.
Tooth Trauma
It’s not just cavities and enamel loss. Tooth damage could also be the reason your teeth hurt. If you’re particularly sensitive to sweets or foods of varying temperatures, it might be the result of a physical injury. That could be due to a sports injury or perhaps teeth grinding, so make sure to get a professional’s opinion to solve the mystery.
Tooth Whitening Treatments
It’s common for in-office tooth whitening treatments to cause tooth sensitivity, which may also translate into sensitivity to sugary treats. But it’s nothing to lose sleep over since tooth sensitivity caused by professional whitening usually fades away within a couple of days.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can cause a plethora of problems. Contrary to its name, it does not only affect the gums. Instead, it tends to affect your overall oral and dental health. And it can also heighten teeth sensitivity which can affect your eating habits.
Damaged Filling
A damaged filling can also be the culprit behind your painful bite and your overly sensitive teeth. Similarly to damaged teeth, fractured fillings can cause a ruckus in your mouth. That usually happens due to trauma or constant grinding and clenching, but the good thing is that you can replace your damaged filling at your dentist’s office.
Solutions for Toothache and Tooth Sensitivity
A toothache can be quite a bother, but it’s nothing that can’t be fixed. Here are some solutions, ranging from at-home tricks to in-office treatments.
At-Home Solutions
When it comes to at-home solutions, here are some tips and tricks you can consider while waiting on that dentist appointment.
- Try using a straw – By using a straw when drinking, you can avoid touching a hot or cold liquid with your teeth, reducing the chances of pain and sensitivity.
- Cut down on acidic foods – Try reducing your intake of acidic foods to help keep your enamel safe.
- Replace your toothbrush – A soft-bristled toothbrush is a small but life-changing investment that your teeth will be thankful for.
- Use a tooth-sensitive toothpaste – Not every toothpaste brand is for everyone, and that’s okay. There are plenty of toothpaste brands that are made explicitly for tooth sensitivity problems. The ingredients they contain can minimize the pain you feel when consuming hot and cold foods and beverages, and can also improve the overall health of your teeth.
- Change your choice of mouthwash: Mouthwashes containing fluoride reduce sensitivity and keep your teeth healthy.
- Try wearing a mouthguard – Many people grind their teeth in their sleep, so wearing a mouthguard at night can be extremely helpful.
In-Office Solutions
If your tooth problems don’t seem to disappear, scheduling a dentist appointment is the best thing you can do. Here are some treatments your dentist might recommend.
- Fluoride therapy – Like at-home fluoride treatments, in-office fluoride applications can help combat dental sensitivity.
- Root canal – A severe toothache might require a root canal procedure to remove the damaged nerve, as well as the pulp tissue.
- Dental restorations – In cases of cavities, chips, or cracks, dental restorations are performed to help protect the damaged tooth and help with dental sensitivity.
- Gum grafts – If gum disease is causing tooth sensitivity problems, your dentist will probably suggest a gum graft.
