Toothaches and tooth sensitivity are dental issues characterised by different sensations, causes, and care requirements. While tooth sensitivity often manifests as a sharp, sudden pain triggered by specific stimuli, toothaches typically present as persistent, throbbing discomfort without an immediate trigger. Learn more about toothache and tooth sensitivity here.
Toothache and Tooth Sensitivity: What’s the Difference?
Experiencing discomfort in your teeth can often lead to confusion about whether you’re facing a toothache or tooth sensitivity. Both conditions may cause distress, but they have distinct characteristics.
- Tooth sensitivity generally refers to a sudden, sharp pain triggered by stimuli such as cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. It can also occur during brushing or flossing. This discomfort is typically fleeting, disappearing once the stimulus is removed.
- On the other hand, a toothache is characterised by a persistent, often throbbing pain that may occur without any apparent trigger and can intensify over time. In some instances, toothache radiates to adjacent structures as well. Hence, there are cases where you may feel earaches for lower molar pain OR sinus pain for upper teeth pain.
If the toothache is caused by food impaction within the gums, the symptoms generally improve with good oral hygiene, particularly with flossing or interdental cleaning to dislodge any food particles. Using a mouthwash or applying fluoride toothpaste on the affected area overnight may also help. If the pain persists after 2 to 3 days, it’s best to see a dentist.
Understanding these differences is crucial, as they hint at the underlying causes and necessary treatments for appropriate oral care.
Tooth Sensitivity Causes vs Toothache Causes
The differences between tooth sensitivity and toothache stem from their potential causative agents.
Tooth Sensitivity Causes
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the dentin (the layer beneath the tooth enamel) or when the root surfaces become exposed. This exposure can result from tooth decay, receding gums or gum disease, worn tooth enamel, or a chipped or fractured tooth.
Common triggers such as cold air, sugary snacks, or cold drinks can then reach the nerve branches in your teeth, causing the characteristic sharp pain.
Note that certain circumstances can also lead to the development of sensitive teeth. These include:
- Brushing too hard, may result in gum recession or wear off the enamel
- Teeth grinding
- Use of some mouthwash. They may contain acids that worsen tooth sensitivity.
- Consuming acidic foods may erode the enamel
- Defective restorations without a good seal around the cavity
Also, recent dental procedures, such as fillings, may lead to temporary tooth sensitivity.
Toothache Causes
In contrast, toothaches are often the result of issues such as dental decay, an abscess, infected gums, and defective fillings as well. These can lead to persistent pain, which may be accompanied by swelling, headache, and fever. Hence, whereas tooth sensitivity can turn into a long-term concern, toothache is often acute and more intense requiring taking pain relief medication.
The pain from a toothache does not usually subside quickly and often worsens when pressure is applied to the tooth causing difficulty in eating and biting.
Oral Care for Toothache and Tooth Sensitivity
Managing oral care for tooth sensitivity and toothaches involves several preventive and treatment strategies.
For tooth sensitivity, using desensitizing toothpaste, applying fluoride treatments, and avoiding acidic foods can help reduce pain. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is also essential to prevent further enamel wear. If these measures do not relieve the sensitivity then a desensitizing agent or sealant can be applied to seal the exposed dentine.
For toothache, addressing the cause should be the priority. If a toothache is due to a cavity or fracture, professional dental treatment will be necessary to resolve the issue and alleviate the pain.
In both cases, maintaining good oral hygiene is critical. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and using a dentist-prescribed mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection that can exacerbate the problem.
When to See a Dentist for Toothache and Tooth Sensitivity
Determining when to see a dentist can sometimes be confusing; in both cases, a visit is necessary.
For tooth sensitivity, a visit may be necessary to identify the cause and get treatment if necessary (e.g., a filling to protect exposed dentine; a mouthguard for grinding or prescribed desensitizing toothpaste, etc.) especially if conservative methods don’t work..
In the case of toothache, visiting the dentist becomes critical if the pain is severe and prolonged; if there is noticeable swelling, or signs of infection such as fever, taste of pus, or persistent pain that does not improve with the use of over-the-counter pain relievers. These could be signs of more severe conditions that require immediate dental intervention.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the difference between toothache and tooth sensitivity, their causes, and the appropriate oral care can significantly assist in managing dental pain and maintaining overall oral health.
It is important not to dismiss persistent or severe pain and to know when to see a dentist to prevent further complications. Timely and effective oral care, along with regular dental checkups, can help keep your teeth healthy and minimize the occurrence of painful episodes and the risk of infection that can spread beyond the mouth to other parts of the body.
References:
Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Remedies & Treatments Available , https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10954-teeth-sensitivity
Sensitive teeth: What treatments are available? – Mayo Clinic , https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sensitive-teeth/faq-20057854
Toothache – NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toothache/
