Most of us have suffered from tooth pain at some point in our lives. Many people choose to ignore it, assuming that it would subside by itself in a few days. Some of us also resort to home remedies like salt water and hydrogen peroxide. However, you should visit a dentist first instead of wasting your time on DIY treatments. There are many reasons behind tooth pain, and only a dentist can tell you about it with clarity.

First, let’s go through the many possible reasons behind your tooth pain.

Common causes of tooth pain

1. Tooth decay – Decaying teeth is one of the most common reasons for tooth pain. As your enamel decays, it exposes the nerve endings beneath. When anything comes in contact with these nerve endings, you experience sharp pain.
2. Infected gums – If your gums catch an infection, it can lead to severe tooth pain. Gums and teeth are physically connected, and any condition in the gums will have an effect on the teeth.
3. Abscessed Tooth – Abscessed tooth refers to an infection at the root of your teeth. It is a common reason behind the throbbing tooth pain that you might be experiencing.
4. Damaged Filling – If you had been to the dentist in the past and the procedure did not go as expected, it can lead to tooth pain. Damaged fillings can irritate your teeth, leading to severe pain and discomfort.

While these are the common reasons behind tooth pain, the layperson can’t understand precisely what is causing pain in their teeth. For that reason, now we will discuss the common symptoms to look out for. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you should waste no time and visit your Waterloo dentist.

Common symptoms of severe tooth pain or infection

1. Your gums and even your mouth can swell excessively in case of infections. If you are experiencing severe swelling, it is best to rush to the dentist.
2. You might get a fever from tooth and gum infections in severe cases. Fever makes the pain even more intense, and at this point, home remedies no longer work.
3. If you are experiencing a headache, it might signify that you have some underlying dental issue. Schedule a visit with your dentist to further investigate the problem.
4. Sometimes, we might feel an occasional yet sharp pain in our teeth. It is usually a result of exposed nerve endings. Home remedies cannot work in such instances.
5. If you have bad breath and mouth odor, it is a symptom of a more severe underlying infection.
6. When you get an unpleasant taste from food, it is usually an aftermath of a mouth infection.

Never ignore tooth pain

The minor tooth pain you are experiencing might be a sign of something bigger, like gum disease or cavity. It is essential to take specialized gum disease treatments, deep cleanings of the mouth, and so on. Suppose you are experiencing or suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above; visit your dentist without wasting any time. The longer you wait or ignore the signs, the greater the chances of a more severe infection. Ashraf Dentistry in Waterloo has extensive experience working with patients, both young and old, who are suffering from tooth pain. Don’t wait on tooth pain. Schedule your appointment today!