Tooth Pain and infection Explained: From Causes to Treatments

 

Toothaches are more than just an annoyance, they're a sign that something isn’t right with your teeth. Anyone can get a toothache, and that can happen at any time. The causes vary widely such as cavities, gum bleeding, a cracked tooth, or even a new wisdom tooth. 

Each type of toothache tells a different story about what's happening in your mouth. Despite how common they are, many of us aren't ready for the pain and disruption they bring. A toothache can make it hard to eat, sleep, and focus on daily tasks.

In this guide, we'll explore what causes toothaches, why they hurt so much, and how to treat and prevent them. Whether you're dealing with a toothache right now or just want to be prepared, understanding this common problem is the first step toward relief and better oral health.

Toothache is a common dental problem, due to infections, decay or injury. 

Dental cavities

Common causes of Toothache are:

1.    Dental Cavities (Caries)

        Reasons for dental cavities are:

• Inadequate brushing or poor oral hygiene leads to build up of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria particularly Streptococcus mutans, on the teeth. These bacteria metabolize sugars from food and produce acids as a byproduct.
• These acids demineralize the tooth enamel (outermost hard protective layer), leading to its breakdown and the formation of cavities.
• Frequent consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks also contributes to cavity formation by providing fuel for bacteria and creating an acidic environment that erodes enamel.
• Apart from this, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can expose teeth to stomach acids, increasing the risk of cavities.
• Dry Mouth or Reduced saliva production can contribute to cavity formation, as saliva helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles. Major reasons for Dry mouth can be open mouth breathing, dehydration or use of certain drugs (chemotherapy, antihistamine, antidepression and high blood pressure).
•  Natural Deep grooves and pits in teeth can trap food and bacteria, making them more susceptible to cavities.

 

2.    Gum recession

Gums move away from the teeth and expose the roots of the teeth. In these spaces, food particles my stuck (not easy to remove) supporting growth of the bacteria causing root decay. 

Gum recession can be due to the use of brush with hard bristles, pressurized brushing with pressure, smoking, habit of teeth clenching, gum injury, side effect of certain drugs or hormonal changes in women.

Gum recession and bleeding

 3.    Tooth Fracture 

A cracked or broken tooth can expose the dental pulp which exposes the nerve ending and cause pain. Food and bacteria may also stick in Cracked tooth causing infection, pus and pain.  

4.    Impacted Teeth 

Wisdom teeth that do not emerge properly due insufficient space in the mouth or erupting at a wrong angle. This can cause pain, swelling, damage to near by tooth or infection in tissue or root .

  

X-ray of wisdom teeth erupting at a wrong angle

Symptoms:

• Sharp, throbbing, or constant pain.
• Pus and bleeding around the gum
• Swelling around the tooth or gums, Red, swollen, or painful gums
• Fever or headache in cases of severe infection.
• Bad taste or odor in the mouth.
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.

 

Diagnosis of Toothache and Infections

• Visual inspection of the teeth and gums to check for swelling and tenderness. Tapping the tooth to assess pain response, indicating possible infection.
• Thermal Test: Applying hot or cold stimuli to determine sensitivity and pulp vitality.
• X-rays and CT scans: To identify cavities, abscesses, bone loss, or other structural issues.
• Electric Pulp Test: Fine electric pulse is used to examine alive or dead tissue. Live tissues feel the electrical pulse but not the dead tissue.

 

Prevention of Toothache and Infections

• Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing (twice a day) and flossing to remove plaque and prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Diet: Limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks to reduce the risk of cavities.
• Fluoride Use: Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to strengthen enamel.
• Dental Sealants: Protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities.

 

Treatments for Toothache and Infections

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) or acetaminophen to manage pain.
• Drainage of Abscess: To remove pus and reduce infection.
• Antibiotics: Prescribed for bacterial infections to prevent the spread of infection e.g., amoxicillin with clavulanate, metronidazole (may cause allergic reaction).
• Fillings: To treat cavities and restore tooth structure.
• Root Canal Therapy: To remove infected or damaged pulp, clean the root canals, and seal them.
• Extraction: Removing a severely damaged or infected tooth when other treatments are not workable.

 Home Remedies (Temporary Relief):

• Rinsing with warm saltwater to reduce swelling and disinfect the mouth.
• Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
• Using clove oil for its analgesic and antibacterial properties.

 

Complications of Untreated Tooth Infections

If not treated promptly, tooth infections can lead to:

• Spread of infection to the jaw, neck, or other body parts.
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection).
• Sepsis (a life-threatening body-wide infection).
• Ludwig's angina (a severe skin infection under the tongue).

 

Conclusion

Toothache and infections are common but preventable with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid complications. Maintaining good oral health practices and seeking prompt dental attention at the first sign of trouble can ensure healthy teeth and gums.