Pain in the mouth can make it difficult to sleep, eat, exercise and focus on daily tasks. If you’re experiencing tooth or mouth pain, it’s vital to see your Westmount dentist right away. Oral pain can be an indication of decay, infection, damaged teeth and other problems, which can all lead to serious repercussions for your oral and overall health.
Symptoms to Report to Your Westmount Dentist
If you have a toothache that lasts longer than one or two days or the pain is acute, it’s best not to ignore them or hope they will go away. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with your emergency dentist in Westmont as soon as you can.
- Sharp, throbbing, or constant tooth pain, especially if it keeps you up at night or gets worse when you apply pressure or bite down
- A visible abscess or “bubble” that appears on the gums
- Drainage from an infected tooth that has a foul taste or odor
- Swollen gums
- Mouth pain accompanied by a headache or earache
- Fever
- Pain when you open your mouth wide
- Severe, ongoing tooth sensitivity
What Causes Tooth and Mouth Pain?
There are many different conditions that can cause mouth, tooth and jaw pain. Your Westmount dentist will talk with you about your symptoms, perform a thorough examination and take x-rays if necessary to diagnose your problem.
Some common causes of oral pain include:
- Tooth decay and cavities
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Tooth trauma
- Damaged fillings, crowns and other dental restorations
- Abscess or infection
- Inflammation of tooth pulp (pupitis)
- Gum disease
- Tooth sensitivity
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
- TMJ
- Burning Mouth Syndrome
- Sinus infection or congestion
Treatment for Tooth and Mouth Pain
Treatment options will vary depending on the cause of your pain. If you have an infection, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic and recommend a dental procedure such as root canal therapy. They may also be able to fix broken restorations at your visit. Gum issues such as periodontitis may require a scaling and root planing or deep cleaning, and your Westmount dentist may prescribe a special antibacterial mouth rinse for you to use. Tooth sensitivity can often be treated by using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
Other conditions like bruxism and burning mouth syndrome can be treated several different ways. If you grind or clench your teeth, your Westmount dental clinic can create a custom-made mouth guard that will protect your teeth and ease your pain.
If you’re experiencing tooth or mouth pain, don’t wait to see your Westmount dentist. Early detection of problems and proper treatment can help you find relief from pain, improve your oral health and enhance your quality of life.
