Tooth pain: ita��s something most people will experience at least once in their lifetime. Usually, a bit of tooth sensitivity isna��t a cause for concern. However, severe pain can indicate a more serious dental health problem. Luckily, with all the modern advances in dental medicine, there are treatments and procedures that can help remedy most kinds of tooth pain a patient may experience. Some solutions are as simple as using a different kind of toothpaste, but others are more complicated and could even involve surgery.
If youa��re considering enrolling in a dental hygiene program, read on to learn more about three kinds of tooth pain.
1. Students in Dental Hygienist School Might Know the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitivity to hot and cold food and liquids is very common among patients. Luckily, minor tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures usually doesna��t indicate a serious dental condition. Minor tooth sensitivity is usually caused by a small amount of tooth decay, a tooth filling coming loose, or even gums receding. When gums recede even a little bit, it can expose the root of the tooth, which causes irritation.
If after dental hygienist school you encounter a patient experiencing sensitivity or pain, ita��s likely the dentist will suggest the patient switch to toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. In addition, they may suggest that the patient use a gentle circular motion while brushing their teeth and opt for a soft bristle tooth brush.
2. Some Patients Experience Constant Tooth Pain
Patients who experience severe pain that is fairly constant are likely to have a more serious tooth issue on their hands. Pressure, swelling around the gums, and sensitivity to any sort of touch can all indicate that the tooth is abscessed. This means that the root or the area around the root of the tooth is infected. This occurs when the pulp, which is the tissue found inside the root canal, dies. Once it does, it can become inflamed and start irritating the patient. In addition to the symptoms previously mentioned, it can also cause an ache in the jawbone surrounding the tooth that is abscessed, fevers, and swollen neck glands.
Treatment may vary depending on the extent of the problem. A dentist may prescribe a medication to treat the infection and mitigate the pain. In more serious cases, a root canal may be performed to drain the infection. Then, the diseased part of the root may be removed and the tooth will be sealed with a crown.
3. Students in Dental Hygiene Courses Might Know Why Patients Experience Sharp Pain
As students in dental hygiene courses might know, sharp tooth pain can be extremely uncomfortable. Typically, this type of pain occurs when an individual bites down or chews on food. Unlike tooth sensitivity, sharp pain is usually an indicator of a more serious dental matter.
There are several reasons a patient may experience sharp pain. Firstly, they may be suffering from extensive amounts of tooth decay. In other cases, there may be a crack in the tooth. While these arena��t the only reasons why patients experience sharp tooth pain, they are the two most common.
If a patient is experiencing sharp pain, ita��s always best to advise them to come into the office so the dentist can assess the problem. Catching a dental problem early can save the patient a lot of unnecessary pain, money, and stress!
Do you want to become a dental hygienist?
Contact the Canadian Academy of Dental Health today!
