From mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with everyday living, tooth pain affects people of all ages. For many people, even basic tasks like eating or drinking may prove difficult when they have a toothache. This guide will take you through the most common causes of tooth discomfort, enabling you to prevent pain, spot signs and know when to get expert advice.
People suffering from tooth pain often don't realize that tooth pain is almost never a simple issue. It is often a symptom of a deeper dental or medical problem that needs a dentist’s attention and treatment. Tooth pain is different for different people – from an occasional mild sensation to a downright severe pain that halts your whole life. Each type of tooth pain tells a unique story of your oral health.
Tooth decay is not just about a simple cavity – it's a complex bacterial attack. Imagine your tooth as a fortress. The bacteria in your mouth are hidden, microscopic invaders, who produce acids to slowly erode the protective outer wall of your tooth fortress - the enamel. However, this doesn't happen overnight. It is a gradual breakdown that occurs over months, sometimes years.
Common signs of tooth decay include:
It is important to know that early-stage decay is often painless. This is why regular dental check-ups are crucial. Your dentist can spot and treat decay before it causes severe dental issues. Think of it like catching a small leak before it becomes a flood.
Gum disease is an inflammatory response to bacterial buildup. The gums are a critical protective barrier for your teeth and overall health. When bacteria accumulate along the gumline, the body triggers an immune response, causing inflammation.
Like decay, gum disease gradually worsens. There are two stages of gum disease progression.
1. Gingivitis
2. Periodontitis
According to the Oral Health Module of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), approximately 21% of adults with teeth have, or have had, a moderate or a severe periodontal (gum) problem. This isn't just a dental problem – it's a significant health concern that can impact heart health, diabetes management, and overall well-being.
A dental abscess is not just an inconvenience – it's a potentially life-threatening condition. When untreated decay or significant infection creates a pus-filled pocket, it results in a dental abscess.
The tell-tale signs of a dental abscess are:
Immediate action is required, if you experience any of these symptoms. Seek immediate dental care. Dental abscesses can quickly become systemic infections, potentially entering the bloodstream and causing serious health issues.
Tooth sensitivity is the result of the breakdown of the protective enamel. It exposes the underlying dentin layer, which is connected directly to nerve endings. Exposure makes them highly reactive to temperature and pressure.
Common causes of tooth sensitivity are:
You can manage tooth sensitivity with the following measures.
A cracked tooth is more than just an aesthetic issue. It's a structural compromise that can lead to significant complications. Big or small, each crack presents unique challenges.
Types of Cracks
Cracked tooth treatment depends on the extent and location of the crack. Your dentist may recommend:
Wisdom teeth are evolutionary remnants from our ancestors who required additional grinding teeth. They often lead to problems when they experience complications, like:
Not all wisdom teeth require removal. Through detailed imaging and assessment, your dentist can determine the best course of action.
Teeth grinding is often the body's physical manifestation of stress. The constant pressure and grinding can cause:
Bruxism can be treated with comprehensive management including stress reduction techniques, custom night guards, muscle relaxation therapies, and regular dental monitoring.
Infected sinus cavities near upper teeth can mimic dental pain. This referred pain can be challenging to diagnose and requires a multidisciplinary approach.
“In Canada, an estimated 2.26 million school-days are missed each year due to dental-related illness and tooth decay accounts for one-third of all day surgeries performed on children between the ages of 1 and 5.” - Canadian Dental Association
Tooth pain is never "just pain" – it's a call from your body so you can identify and address the underlying issue. Your dentist will not just treat symptoms but also diagnose and treat the root cause.
If you are in good oral health, follow these preventive strategies to ensure tooth pain doesn’t affect you.
In addition to the above, pay attention to your body. Do not ignore ongoing pain. It is not normal. Early intervention can prevent serious health concerns and expensive treatments in the future.
From preventive care to treatments for serious concerns, like tooth abscesses and impacted wisdom teeth, Markham Smile Centre offers the full spectrum of personalized dental services. With an emphasis on long-term dental health, our team prioritizes compassionate, patient-centered treatment. At Markham Smile Centre, you have access to skilled specialists who address the underlying causes of tooth discomfort and ensure patient satisfaction.
Q1: Why do I experience sharp pain when eating hot or cold foods?
Tooth sensitivity typically occurs due to enamel erosion, receding gums, small cracks in tooth surface or exposed dentin (the layer beneath tooth enamel). Potential causes include aggressive tooth brushing, consuming acidic foods, teeth grinding (bruxism), and age-related enamel loss.
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, ask your dentist for a desensitizing toothpaste and fluoride treatment. Use soft-bristled toothbrushes.
Q2: How long should tooth pain last before I see a dentist?
Dental pain is a warning about an underlying problem. Consult your dentist immediately, if -
Do not ignore persistent pain. A minor tooth ache may indicate a developing cavity, early-stage gum disease, an infection, a cracked tooth, or sinus-related complications
Q3: Can stress really cause tooth pain?
Stress can affect dental health in different ways:
Direct physical effects
Physiological stress effects
Q4: Why do my gums bleed when I brush or floss?
Bleeding gums indicate various potential issues.
Immediate causes include:
Other factors:
Go for professional dental cleaning and regular dental checkups.
Q5: How painful are root canals?
Modern root canal procedures are far less painful than is widely believed. The biggest benefits are relief from pre-existing tooth pain, preservation of the natural tooth and no need to extract the tooth.
Local anesthesia ensures minimal discomfort. Advanced techniques reduce invasiveness. The pain is comparable to getting a deep filling. You may experience mild discomfort for 2-3 days which can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Q6: When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Your dentist may recommend immediate removal in one of the following cases:
Before wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist would carry out a professional assessment with the help of an X-ray.
Q7: How often should I really visit the dentist?
You should see a dentist at least twice every year. If you have a dental condition that requires monitoring, you should have a dental checkup every 3-4 months. For children, the frequency should be annually or bi-annually and for seniors, 3-4 times every year.
Comprehensive dental checkups may include one or more of the following:
Dental health is a window to overall health. Proactive care, consistent good hygiene, and regular professional check-ups are your best defense against tooth pain and serious oral health issues.
Everyone here is very friendly and provides excellent care. I received a full exam on my first visit, and everyone took time to answer my questions and ensured I felt comfortable the entire time - exactly what you want when visiting the dentist. I highly recommend Markham Smile Centre for anyone looking for great dental care.
There is an ample parking space before you get into the office. The receptionists welcome us friendly with proper COVID-19 procedures in place. The staff worked with patient very patiently and professionally. My teeth cleaning was done by Ying, she explained every detail to me and I did not feel any pain or uncomfortable at all. Thanks to the best team !
It's been a while since I've been to a dentist but I'm trying to get back on track with health in general. Overall it was great going to Markham Smile Centre! The receptionist (I believe she was Kim) was friendly. The hygienist, Ying, was attentive and gentle during the cleaning; x-ray tech (forgot her name, sorry!) was great too. Dr. Sara Riad explained things with good detail. Looking forward to going back!
I was someone who was nervous and anxious about visiting the dentist, but the team at Markham Smile Centre has made me feel SO comfortable. Kim is so patient and helpful and Dr. Hwang and Rory are both so professional and wonderful. They thoroughly explain the procedure to make you comfortable beforehand and are very gentle. I now look forward to visiting the dentist!
I found this place on a whim when I was looking for a new dentist in Markham. My hygienist ying was super nice and her cleaning was very gentle yet thorough. I saw Dr.Jason and he was very nice and informative in regards to what needs to be done and provided me with all the information I needed to make a choice. Would recommend this place to anyone looking for a new dentist, they’re accepting new patients!!
I have been to many dentists in my life, Dr. Jason is easily the best dentist I have ever been too. He does everything he can to make you comfortable no matter the procedure and is a true professional, as does all the staff at Markham Smile Centre. Truly an amazing dentistry
The clinic was clean and the staff was very polite. I particularly liked the fact that everything was explained to me before going in for the procedure so I knew what to expect at each step. The dental hygienist who did the cleaning for me was also very gentle and took my concerns into consideration. I will definitely recommend them.
Upon arriving to the Markham Smile Centre, my son and I were greeted with a warm welcome by the receptionists. The hygienists and Dentist were very gentle and transparent with what they were doing. The hygienist that worked on my 9 year old son was patient and very friendly with him, which helped ease his nerves. Our overall experience was A+.
Since I was little, I have always hated going to the dentist... Its always uncomfortable and unpleasant. These days, visiting the dentist isn’t so bad! Dr Jason, Rory, and the lovely staff at reception make the experience 100x better. I have had absolutely no issues with the gum graft and cleanings that I’ve gotten done here. Everyone is incredibly friendly and helpful, even when I’m calling in or emailing a hundred questions :). I would highly recommend Markham Smile Centre.
Love this place! All the staffs are friendly and Professional and I mean all, cause I've been to most of their office, Markham , Stouffville, North York, and Maple. Dr. Ko is very professional and patient. Whenever I have questions and concerns he would always reply me . I would say this this dental office take care of you all the way. I would highly recommend everyone to come here for any dental works. =)