Tooth nerve pain is caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease, or damaged teeth. Dental cavities, periodontal disease, and teeth grinding are common causes. Pain ranges from tolerable to severe and can be treated with topical oral treatments or pain relievers. A dentist can determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Tooth nerve pain — also known as a toothache — is a dental problem that often occurs when the root of a tooth is exposed or comes into contact with something that triggers the pain. This is usually the result of decay disease or injury to the tooth. More specifically, some of the most common reasons people experience tooth nerve pain stem from tooth decay, periodontal disease, or damaged teeth.
Dental cavities are a common cause of toothache. Cavities, literally, are holes that have formed in your teeth as a result of plaque buildup. Plaque forms on teeth after they’ve been exposed to sugar and acids found in foods and beverages. If teeth are not cleaned properly, plaque turns into tartar and the wear and tear of the sugar and acid eventually erodes the tooth enamel. Generally, the pain occurs after the socket has reached the nerve endings deep inside the tooth.
Another common source of toothache is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease or, in its mildest form, gingivitis. Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria in the mouth builds up along the gum line for an extended period of time without proper cleaning. The gums eventually begin to deteriorate and become red, swollen and inflamed. Also, you may experience bleeding when flossing or brushing, a telltale sign of gum disease. Another significant sign of periodontal disease is gum recession, which, in addition to giving the appearance of elongated teeth, leaves the tooth roots exposed to sensitivity and pain from the dental nerve.
Teeth damaged by grinding or that have been chipped or damaged are another common cause of toothache. Teeth grinding – or bruxism – is a habit that some people form and which usually worsens during sleep, when the grinding and clenching of the jaw cannot be controlled. Over time, bruxism can lead not only to sore jaws, but also to teeth that are flattened and chipped by the intense force of grinding. This results in sensitivity of the tooth nerves because the tooth enamel is eventually damaged and worn away.
Nerve pain in the tooth may be tolerable, but as time goes on and the tooth becomes affected without treatment, the discomfort can become severe. The range of pain usually depends on the severity of the problem and how much contact the nerve of the exposed tooth makes. For example, a typical complaint of toothache sufferers is the intense pain that results from contact with foods and drinks that are too hot or too cold. Another example of nerve pain is a dull ache that intensifies with chewing or when you put pressure on your teeth.
A common solution for toothache is the use of topical oral treatments that temporarily numb the sore area when applied. Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also provide temporary pain relief. A thorough dental exam by a dentist or oral health specialist will successfully determine the exact cause of your dental nerve pain, which could be due to any of these common examples. A dentist will also be able to determine an appropriate and effective treatment for the pain.
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