No one enjoys pain anywhere in the body, and tooth or mouth pain is particularly bothersome in many cases. We use the mouth as much as any other area of the body, including for vital areas like chewing and speaking, and pain for any reason can be both a bother and a signal of concern.
At the offices of Grant Dental, we’re here to help assess and remedy oral pain that comes from a variety of causes, plus apply treatments like oral sedation dentistry and others to relieve your symptoms. Pain is among the body’s natural defensive responses that are meant to inform you when something is wrong – this two-part blog will go over several common forms of oral pain, plus what the pain might be telling you and how you can relieve the symptoms.
General Toothache
One of the more common forms of oral pain that you may experience is a general toothache. In most cases, a toothache is characterized as pain felt on the interior of the tooth, often a dull, aching sensation. Pain symptoms may be felt while chewing or otherwise using the tooth, or they could simply be constant.
Toothaches can mean a few different things. Their most common precursor is infection or decay, often significant enough that a root canal will be required in the area. If this infection is not treated, it can spread to other tissue and the jawbone, even to the point where a root canal will not save the tooth and it will have to be taken out.
Gum Bleeding
One of the more common oral pain conditions that’s possible while brushing or flossing the teeth is bleeding gums. This will take place right along the gum line, or higher up in the gums. In some cases, this is simply due to brushing or flossing with too much force.
However, if you’ve made efforts to not brush or floss too heavily and you’re still noticing red or pink runoff in your sink, this could be an indicator of gingivitis. In more extreme cases, it could even be a sign of gum disease. In both cases, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.
Gum Swelling
In other situations, the gums or gum line may actually swell up. This condition is less common during brushing or flossing, and tends to be a bit more random. In these cases, the cause is almost always early gingivitis symptoms, gum disease or a similar condition of the gums, all of which need prompt treatment to avoid concerns like tooth loss and even major health risks like heart disease or diabetes.
For more on the reasons your teeth or mouth are in pain, or to learn about any of our family dentist services, speak to the staff at the offices of Grant Dental today.
