If you have experienced tooth nerve pain, you will definitely know it better what the term 'strikes a raw nerve' actually means. When you have an exposed nerve in tooth, the discomfort, pain and sensitivity can range from irritating to distressing for some. Just when you think you are enjoying whatever you are eating or drinking, the experience takes a sharp turn that leaves a terrible aftertaste – always indicating something worse might be happening. If any of these sounds like you, and eating has turned from enjoyment to a truly nerve-wracking experience, please go see your dentist to determine the reason why your nerve in tooth hurts.
What's Causing Tooth Nerve Pain?
Tooth nerve pain not just means a regular aching teeth; it is a more serious and intense pain with a potential serious issue. Dental nerve pain is basically an injury or inflammation of the innermost part of the tooth, known as pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels; and therefore is more sensitive and severe than other dental pain.
What Triggers Tooth Nerve Pain?
1. Cavities
Quite possibly the biggest cause of nerve pain in your teeth is tooth decay. Cavities develop when bacteria attack your enamel, eventually reaching the soft dentin underneath. When the decay hits the pulp where the nerve is located, that makes the tooth nerve exposed and you will begin to have sharp and lasting pain.
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2. Cracks or Fractures
A crack or chip in your tooth is more than just a cosmetic concern. Even a hairline crack will start allowing air, temperature and bacteria to reach the pulp in your tooth and then you would be subject to discomfort or significant nerve tooth pain.
3. Gum Recession
Gum disease, due to aggressive brushing or just because of ageing, can cause the gums to pull back exposing the teeth roots. Roots in a substantial way, unlike the outer dental surface that is covered with enamel, are a sitting target for pain, and most definitely – they will be sensitive.
4. Abscess and Infections
A tooth infection will form an abscess – a pocket of pus that builds at or near the tooth root, and this can, when applied pressure, push against the nerve causing all sorts of swelling, painful throbbing, and even fever or nasty taste in the mouth!
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If you have had a filling, crown or some other dental procedures, it is common for your nerves to be sensitive for a short period of time. The numbness will eventually dissipate, usually in a few days, but it can be concerning.
Identifying Tooth Nerve Damage
Tooth nerve damage is one of the most typical reasons for tooth discomfort. If you have a sore tooth nerve or the nerve is damaged, the affected tooth can become highly sensitive to any form of movement of the tooth, or to extremely hot or cold temperatures – making it uncomfortable to eat most foods if this occurs.
There are two main reasons for tooth nerve pain:
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Pulpal Sensitivity
This pain can arise from injured tooth nerve surrounding the pulp of a specific tooth. If this develops, the pain will typically stay with one tooth. Pulpal sensitivity can be caused by tooth decay, a chip or crack in tooth, and problems can arise even after dental work – such as getting a tooth filled. Pulpal sensitivity can also cause pain after clenching or grinding of the teeth for long periods of time.
Dental Sensitivity
A different type of sensitivity is dental sensitivity, which affects more of the mouth than simply the area surrounding a specific tooth. This nerve damage will happen when tooth enamel gets damaged, potentially from a crack or a chip, but also potentially from erosion. This will allow external stimuli to access the teeth's nerves, therefore also producing shooting pain in tooth when consuming any foods that are very hot, cold, or acidic. As stated previously, a significant suspect for dental sensitivity is the repeated use of teeth whitening products that break down the tooth's enamel, essentially leaving one's teeth open to damage.
How Tooth Sensitivity Happens?
There are several scenarios that will result in tooth sensitivity, some of them include:
- Tooth decay (cavity)
- Broken tooth
- Worn filling
- Gum disease
- Worn enamel
- Exposed tooth root
Similar to toothache nerve pain, tooth sensitivity can be caused from exposure to certain foods and drinks. However, shocking pain in tooth is caused when deeper exposure penetrates the tooth nerve, while sensitivity is caused from the exposure further out on the tooth surface from the nerve.
What Foods to Stay Away From?
You can soothe an inflamed tooth nerve by not consuming foods and drinks that caused that inflammation, including the following:
- Hot beverages (tea and coffee)
- Cold beverages (soda leads to sensitivity and also erodes tooth enamel)
- Hot foods
- Cold food (no food from freezer such as ice cream)
- Acidic foods (like tomatoes, pickles, beverages and citrus fruits)
- Sugary foods (cookies, pastries, candies and beverages)
How to Get Relief from Tooth Nerve Pain?
Nerve pain in tooth is not something to take lightly. Though temporary methods may offer some cure for tooth nerve pain for short term, overall relief comes from some form of professional dental care. If you are wondering how to stop throbbing nerve pain in tooth, let's have a look at the options.
Temporary Dental Nerve Pain Relief
1. Non-prescription Pain Relievers
Taking over the counter tooth nerve pain medicine is an excellent way to initiate pain relief. They function by decreasing inflammation around the nerve and alleviating the pain. Make sure to adhere to the instructions for dosage, and if you have bleeding gums do not take aspirin.
2. Clove Oil
Clove oil is a natural, proven home remedy for broken tooth with exposed nerve. The eugenol in clove oil works as a numbing substance and also reduces bacteria. Use a cotton swab to apply clove oil to the area in small amounts for temporary relief.
3. Saltwater Rinse
This has to be the easiest home remedy, as it can help with swelling and keeping the area clean. The solution is simple – mix half of a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, and rinse and swish it around your mouth up to 30 seconds. You can repeat this throughout the day to make yourself more comfortable.
4. Ice Packs
If the pain comes with swelling, applying ice packs to the outside of your cheek can minimise nerve inflammation in tooth and help numb the area. Do not apply direct ice to the tooth itself because that will likely increase sensitivity.
💡 Remember: These temporary remedies provide short-term relief only. For long-term relief, you will need to schedule an appointment with a dentist who will be able to determine the exact cause of your pain and provide recommendations for a treatment solution.
Long-Term Tooth Nerve Pain Relief through Treatment from a Dentist
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy, or simply a root canal, is usually the best option for nerve pain if it is related to a deep cavity or infection. Your dentist cleans the inside of your tooth, removes any diseased or swollen pulp tissue, and seals the tooth to prevent the issues from recurring. Despite common assumptions, root canals are not generally painful with modern techniques.
Fillings or Crowns
If nerve pain is caused by a crack or cavity in the tooth, your dentist may recommend a crown or a filling to restore your tooth. These treatments will seal the damaged area, preventing nerve damage in tooth and restoring normal function for the tooth.
Emergency Tooth Extraction
In severe cases, where the tooth cannot be salvaged, extraction of the tooth may be required. Once the damaged tooth is extracted, the pain will reduce. Tooth extractions are the last option, but can provide instant relief in acute infection or trauma cases.
How to Stop Tooth Nerve Pain?
If your tooth nerve is hurting, avoiding it is the best way to deal with it. Caring for teeth and gums will significantly reduce the likelihood of developing problems that may result in nerve pain.
Daily Healthy Tooth Habits
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss your teeth daily to remove plaque from in between your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to lessen your risk of gum disease.
Eat to Promote Dental Health
- Minimise eating sugary snacks that will feed bacteria and produce cavities.
- Include foods in your diet that are rich in calcium, such as cheese, milk and dark, leafy greens to help with your dental health.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to identify potential problems early, and ensure that pain does not progress to include the dental nerve. At Emergency Dentists in London, we recommend you see us for professional cleaning and an examination every six months.
Final Thoughts
Tooth nerve pain can be debilitating, however the good news is that relief is attainable. While it is easy to fall into the trap of believing in quick solutions, the honest truth is that safe and effective treatment requires appropriate time as well as proper expertise. Whether it is about temporary or permanent relief, the team at Emergency Dentists in London is here to help you.
Don't let tooth pain ruin your life, contact our emergency dental team today. Together you can get back to smiling, eating and living without pain.
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