Tooth Pain From Gum Disease
Tooth pain happens for various reasons, ranging from injury to tooth decay or an impacted tooth. There is also a less common source of dental pain: gum disease.
Oral health problems like gingivitis are sneaky because they lack noticeable symptoms. As gum disease progresses, it becomes pronounced. Sometimes the progression of gum disease comes with tooth pain.
Gingivitis and tooth pain
The earliest form of gum disease is mild, with few visible symptoms. This stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis; an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis occurs when plaque buildup becomes a staging ground for bacterial attacks on the gums. Gingivitis has one or more of the following symptoms:
- Red, swollen gums that may also be tender
- Bleeding when brushing the teeth and sometimes afterward
- Receding gums
- Newly exposed tooth roots that result in tooth sensitivity
- Gum pockets that fill with pus
- Chronic bad breath
Acute pain is not a symptom of early-stage gum disease. The mild tooth sensitivity that comes with gingivitis is only noticeable when eating or drinking, making it easy to ignore. But ignoring gingivitis causes it to progress, and this means more symptoms.
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth pain
Periodontitis is what happens when gingivitis goes untreated for an extended period. As plaque buildup mineralizes to form tartar, the infection spreads to different structures that support the teeth. In addition to the gums, bacteria go on to attack tooth roots and connective tissue. In severe cases, the jawbone itself comes under attack. This is what advanced gum disease looks like:
- Chronic bad breath
- Changes in the patient’s bite
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Tooth pain
With advanced gum disease, tooth pain results from tooth sensitivity and/or infection in the structures that support the teeth.
Tooth decay and gum disease
The same bacteria that cause gum disease are also responsible for tooth decay. These bacteria build and use plaque to attack the teeth and the gums. As such, a patient can suffer from both tooth decay and gum disease. In such cases, tooth pain would be a result of tooth decay or an aggressive infection of the gums or both.
Treatment and management of tooth pain from gum disease
The best way to treat tooth pain from gum disease is to address the condition itself. A dentist will start by removing infection wherever they find it. In the case of mild gum disease, the dentist may then prescribe antibiotics. They will advise their patient to improve their oral hygiene routine.
For patients with advanced gum disease, the dentist may close gum pockets after they treat the infection. They may also place slow-release antibiotics inside the gums. The dentist will also guide their patient through a rigorous oral hygiene routine.
With time, gum disease should go away, along with any dental pain.
Take the first step toward a healthy mouth today
Tooth pain is a warning sign that you need to take seriously. That is why you should call us to set up an appointment with our dentist. They will be happy to diagnose and treat the pain in your tooth.
Request an appointment here: https://dentistmiamibeachfl.com for an appointment in our Miami Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Miami Beach, FL.
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