CARE FOR DENTAL PAIN

Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentine hypersensitivity, is characterized by sudden, sharp tooth pain affecting one or more teeth. It can be triggered by hot, cold, sweet, spicy or acidic foods or drinks, brushing your teeth, breathing in fresh air, flossing and even a simple touch.

There are many ways to prevent dentine hypersensitivity. At your next regular check-up, ask your dentist about the various options available to you.

Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, can occur during the day or at night.

People who engage in bruxism clench their teeth tightly and move them back and forth, often unconsciously causing wear and tear on the teeth. Its main trigger is psychological, but the repercussions are felt at dental, muscular and articular levels.

Cavities are a form of disease. It occurs when plaque bacteria attack the hard tissue of the tooth. The outer layer, called enamel, is affected first. Caries then progresses inwards, affecting the dentin and finally the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located.

Cavities can progress rapidly, but when detected early, they are easy to treat. A painful tooth should not be overlooked, as severe decay can be very painful and require root canal treatment. You may even lose the tooth. Early detection of decay can be achieved through regular follow-up examinations.

Dental pulpitis is the result of inflammation of the dental pulp. Dental pain of varying intensity is the main symptom.

Diagnosis is based on corroboration of symptoms, radiological signs and pulp test results. Treatment may vary according to the condition of the tooth. Sometimes, it’s enough to clean out the decay and restore the tooth. In advanced cases, the dental nerve in the root canals must be removed, and a root canal performed. Often, the tooth remains weakened and a crown is added to protect the newly restored tooth.

In some cases, tooth extraction is necessary, followed by replacement with an implant or bridge, as the case may be. The sooner the symptom is discovered and treated, the better the chances of keeping the tooth and preventing the situation from worsening and causing further damage.

Dental abscesses can occur as a result of untreated decay or pulpitis. The tooth is highly sensitive to percussion and chewing. The abscess may collect intraorally and eventually drain away or develop into cellulitis.

It’s very important to make an appointment with your dentist if you have a dental abscess. Abscesses can be life-threatening, as the infection may spread to the rest of the body and/or prevent breathing due to swelling.

Dental injuries can range from simple enamel fractures to tooth avulsion (complete dislodgement of the tooth).

In the event of avulsion, it’s important to keep the tooth in a liquid solution. Pulled teeth begin to die within 15 minutes and must be immediately preserved in a liquid to be saved. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Liquid solutions for preserving teeth are available from chemists, e.g. Save-a-Tooth, if you don’t have one at home. In the meantime, you can put the tooth in milk. As a last resort, use saliva or distilled water to prevent the tooth from drying out.