My tooth hurts when I put pressure on it, what to do? Sensitivity to cold? Caries? Gingivitis? etc. What can the dentist do? Why tooth pain without caries? How do I know if the root of a tooth is infected? And why do my gums bleed?
I. My Tooth Hurts When I Put Pressure on it, Why?
# Sensitivity to Cold:
Several reasons can be linked to having a tooth that hurts when you press on it. Sensitivity to cold can go hand in hand with this type of pain. Tooth hypersensitivity can be a symptom of tooth decay or loosening.
# Heat Sensitivity:
Heat sensitivity is the phenomenon that occurs when the consumption of hot products, whether liquid or solid, causes pain. Like cold hypersensitivity, this phenomenon can have many causes; inflammation for example.
# Sugar Sensitivity:
Like cold and heat sensitivity, sugar sensitivity is another sign of dental pathology. It is often a sign that the dentin, normally protected by the enamel and gum, is exposed.
# Tooth Decay:
Tooth decay is the most common cause of tooth sensitivity. Tooth decay is an infection that develops in a tooth. Incomplete dental hygiene and the consumption of certain products can be the cause. Decay can make the tooth sensitive to touch if it has developed to the level of the dental pulp.
# Tooth Pain on Pressure:
There are many causes of dental pain on pressure. You may have food residue stuck between your teeth or infection at the root level.
# Pushing of Baby Teeth:
Baby teeth eruption in children is a tricky time. During this period, the small teeth break through the gum wall to push inside the mouth. It is therefore normal that the teeth, and the whole gum for that matter, are painful.
# Growing Wisdom Teeth:
Like baby teeth, wisdom teeth can be a tricky time to get through. The gums become red, and you may feel pain in the area where the tooth is emerging.
# Gingivitis and Periodontitis:
Gingivitis and periodontitis are extremely serious oral conditions. Gingivitis occurs when dental plaque has spread and solidified. Bacteria are then present in the mouth, which can cause tooth pain or bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and receding teeth.
# Swollen Gums:
Swollen gums can actually cause pain when pressing on a tooth. There are many causes of swollen gums. Gum infection or an abscess can be the cause of this.
# Dental Abscess:
A dental abscess is a mass of pus in the gum, which is a sign of an infection. There are two types of dental abscesses, depending on the location of the infection. The abscess can be gingival or periapical. In the first case, the pus is located in the gum. In the second case, you have an infection at the root level.
# Inflammation of Tissues:
Inflammation of dental tissue can cause pain and discomfort. It develops when bacteria proliferate on the gum line. It is often due to incomplete dental hygiene.
# Dental Trauma: Fracture and Crack
A broken or cracked tooth becomes painful to the touch. The trauma may expose the root of the tooth, making it sensitive. A tooth can also break if it is decayed.
# Pulpitis:
The first sign of pulpitis is the pain it causes. The pain can be spontaneous and prolonged, and even wake you up in the night. It is an inflammation of the dental nerve, often caused by badly treated dental caries or a shock (fall, accident…). Pulpitis is frequently called toothache.
# Pain Due to Sinusitis:
When you have sinusitis, the pressure in the nasal cavity can affect the teeth. It is not uncommon to develop tooth pain due to sinusitis.
# Food Blockage Between Teeth:
When teeth are not brushed optimally, food residue can remain between the teeth. This constitutes a risk of infection and therefore pain since these residues form bacteria as they decompose.
II. My Tooth Hurts When I Put Pressure on it, What Can the Dentist Do?
# Treating a Dental Abscess/
The dental abscess must be drained by a professional dental surgeon. Antibiotics are necessary to prevent the infection from spreading. Painkillers are also recommended to fight against the pain.
# Caring for Cavities:
Caring for a cavity depends on how far it has progressed. If the decay has only affected the enamel and dentin, then the infected tissue can be removed and a dental amalgam placed in the hole. In some cases, the decay requires the extraction of the damaged tooth.
# Tooth Extraction:
Tooth extraction at a dentist’s office is almost always done under local anesthesia. Once the tissues near the tooth are numbed, the dentist uses forceps (in the case of a simple extraction) to move the tooth. The forceps are then used to remove the tooth.
# Tooth Repair:
A broken or cracked tooth can be repaired. The dentist can put back the pieces of the damaged tooth (if they have been preserved and if he/she deems them useful). A tooth can also be repaired with a composite resin or ceramic.
# Scaling:
Scaling is the best way to prevent gingivitis. Even if you can scale your teeth at home, it is important to have your teeth scaled by a dentist at least once a year.
# Antibiotic:
Antibiotics are necessary if you have a bacterial infection. You should take them if you have a dental abscess for example. Antibiotics are used to stop the infection.
III. Other Questions About Tooth Painful When Pressed
# Why Do You Have Tooth Pain Without Cavities?
You can have tooth pain because of other things than a cavity. It can be an inflammation of the gums, an abscessed tooth, or even a teething problem. Even dental care can lead to pain.
# How Do You Know if the Root of a Tooth Is Infected?
When your tooth root is infected, you feel pain. The tooth becomes hypersensitive, especially to heat or cold. The nerve in the tooth is affected and your cheek may swell up because of the infection. Another symptom is discoloration of the tooth.
# When I Clench My Teeth Does It Hurt?
Having pain when you clench your teeth can be a sign of a jaw problem. This can happen if you suffer from bruxism, and you tend to grind your teeth, especially at night, under the effect of stress. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause this.
# How Can a Devitalized Tooth Hurt?
A devitalized tooth can become a breeding ground for bacteria. For this reason, even a root canal can be painful. This is why it is important to take care of your dental hygiene.
# Why Do Teeth Hurt When You Are Sick?
You may develop dental pain when you suffer from certain pathologies, like a cold for example. This is because the sinuses are close to the jawbones.
# How to Relieve a Cavity While Waiting for the Dentist?
Before your appointment with the dentist, you can use a piece of clove and apply it to your affected tooth. Cloves are anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents. Garlic also works.
# I Have Bleeding Gums, Why?
Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis. The plaque has spread and been improperly treated and the gums have become inflamed to the point of bleeding. Improperly fitted braces can also injure the gums.
Useful Links:
Dental pain and oral health-related quality of life in individuals with severe dental anxiety
Losing Baby Teeth Early (4 Years Old), Should We Worry?