Throbbing tooth pain that comes and goes can be a very painful and debilitating experience. If you begin to experience this type of tooth pain in Adelaide, it’s important to contact an emergency dentist immediately.
Toothaches are often caused by infections or other dental issues that can worsen if left untreated. Symptoms like throbbing tooth pain may come and go, but they should not be ignored as they might indicate a more serious underlying issue.
Prompt attention from a qualified emergency dentist is essential to determine the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment.
With the right care, you can quickly reduce your discomfort and restore your oral health at the same time.
Causes of throbbing tooth pain
Toothache is a common dental health issue ranging in intensity from mild to severe.
It can be caused by various factors, most of which can be easily determined. However, in some cases, the source of throbbing pain in your mouth may be difficult to identify because the pain can originate in another place.
Tooth decay
Poor oral health is a leading cause of tooth decay – a serious affliction that causes severe pain, manifesting as a sharp, steady pain or a dull throbbing one.
Plaque and tartar buildup can be sneaky culprits of tooth decay, causing damage to teeth if not taken care of. Ignoring these issues could lead to pain and complex treatment to contain the damage and prevent it from spreading.
Accumulated bacteria can form a film on tooth surfaces called plaque. It feeds off the sugars in certain foods and beverages, forming acids that attack tooth enamel.
Plaque can harden into tartar if left untreated, which is much more difficult to remove and can cause further damage.
Gum disease
Throbbing tooth pain is one of the most common symptoms of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis in its mild form. Advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis.
Throbbing pain can be caused by gum inflammation and infection in the gums around the affected tooth.
Bad oral hygiene habits such as not brushing enough or not flossing can lead to an accumulation of plaque and tartar on teeth that increases the risk of a dental abscess that can lead to gum disease.
Furthermore, lifestyle factors such as smoking or using tobacco products, diabetes, dry mouth, hormonal changes during pregnancy, certain medication use, and inadequate nutrition are all risk factors for developing gum disease, which can result in throbbing tooth pain.
Referred pain
Referred pain is a type of pain that may appear in a different area than the source of the pain.
Referred dental pain is often caused by inflammation and swelling at the source, which affects nearby nerves and muscles, leading to a spreading sensation.
The intensity and duration of referred pain may vary depending on how severe or chronic the condition is at its source.
Migraines, TMJ, ear infections and even chest pain can manifest as a throbbing toothache.
Bruxism
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a condition that causes a person to grind or clench their teeth unconsciously, often during sleep.
This grinding and clenching can cause the person to experience pain in their jaw or teeth and headaches. In severe cases, it can lead to throbbing tooth pain.
The pressure of bruxism can wear down tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities and other dental problems. It can also create cracks in the enamel, which may eventually reach the nerve at the centre of the tooth and cause extreme pain.
It is important for those suffering from bruxism to consult with their dentist regularly to prevent any long-term damage or complications arising from this condition.
Impacted wisdom teeth
Another possible cause of throbbing toothache is an impacted wisdom tooth, the third molar at the back of the mouth that fails to come in properly.
It can cause a wide variety of problems, including pain and discomfort.
Throbbing toothache is often one of the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, with the area around the site feeling tender and swollen.
Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding in the mouth and lead to gum disease as food and bacteria can become trapped between teeth.
Sensitive teeth
Sensitive teeth can cause throbbing pain that can be quite uncomfortable.
This is caused when the outer layer of a tooth, known as the enamel, becomes weakened or eroded, exposing the underlying dentin and creating nerve sensitivities in the tooth.
When this occurs, even simple activities such as eating acidic or hot or cold foods can trigger intense pain sensations in the affected tooth.
The pain can manifest through an ache or a throbbing sensation that may last for some time before subsiding.
In severe cases, sensitive teeth can also cause severe headaches due to their proximity to cranial nerves in the upper jaw area.
Broken or cracked tooth
A broken or cracked tooth can also cause mild to severe throbbing pain.
The pain is typically experienced when you bite down or chew, as the damaged area of the tooth is exposed to pressure and air, thus aggravating the exposed nerve endings.
A tooth infection can also cause pain if bacteria enter through a crack in the enamel, inflaming the dental pulp.
Eating hot or cold foods may trigger a throbbing toothache if you have a broken or cracked tooth. This happens because extreme temperatures cause rapid expansion and contraction of the dental material, increasing pressure on exposed nerves in the damaged area.
Urgent Tooth Pain Relief: Book Your Appointment at Our Clinic Now!
If you are suffering from throbbing tooth pain that comes and goes, you must make an appointment for urgent dental care at our clinic. We always keep some time in our day to accommodate urgent cases. While you wait for your appointment, our qualified and skilled dentists may suggest home remedies to alleviate discomfort temporarily.
However, it’s essential to note that these remedies can only provide temporary relief and should not replace the professional dental care we offer.
Saltwater Rinse
Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm water and swish it around your mouth for a while, before spitting it out.
Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic and antiseptic, which may help reduce toothache pain.
Ice Pack
Applying an ice pack to the cheek or jaw near the affected tooth may help reduce swelling and numb the pain temporarily.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea has a numbing effect and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a toothache.
Over-the-counter Painkillers
Painkillers can help reduce pain and inflammation. You could try ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
It’s crucial to remember that these home remedies will only provide temporary relief and do not replace the professional, top-rated dental care offered by our experienced dentists.
If your toothache persists or worsens, it’s essential to seek the advice of our highly-qualified dentist to identify the underlying cause and receive proper treatment, which may include a root canal treatment or more complex options to treat advanced gum disease if it is present.
Stop Suffering from Toothaches: Experience Top-Quality Dental Care Today!
A throbbing toothache can be debilitating and interfere with daily life.
The good news is our qualified professionals can help alleviate this pain and determine the cause. Our dental clinic is committed to providing the highest quality care and experience.
Our staff includes experienced dentists who understand the best way to resolve painful toothaches and treat the underlying cause. You can rest assured that your dental health is in good hands. We strive to treat each patient with a personalised treatment plan that considers individual needs for the best possible result.
With reasonable pricing and convenient scheduling options, our clinic is your best choice for treating any type of dental pain and discomfort.
Contact us now for urgent, effective relief from tooth pain.
Resources
Toothaches: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Remedies
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache#091e9c5e80010eeb-1-2
Toothache: Causes, Symptoms, & Triggers | Orajel™
https://www.orajel.com/en/resource-center/toothache-pain-relief/symptoms-and-causes-of-toothaches