Tooth nerve pain ranges from mild sensitivity to throbbing tooth pain that is unbearable. Though most severe dental pain requires treatment, there are some simple cures for mild - moderate tooth nerve pain that are very effective.
All nerve pain occurs as a result of the nerve being inflamed or "annoyed." Nerve pain is improved when the source of annoyance is removed. Sounds simple and sometimes it is simple to cure tooth nerve pain!
Here are some common causes of and remedies for nerve pain.
If your occlusion - the way your teeth fit together - sometimes called your "bite" is slightly high, one or more teeth are constantly getting too much pressure when you bite. Though not a problem if it only happens a few times, the constant over stressing of these teeth can cause significant tooth pain. The solution is a simple adjustment of the bite. Your dentist will ask you to bite on a piece of articulation paper that will show where the tooth is hitting the opposer tooth too hard. The the tooth can be adjusted easily and painlessly.
Abfraction is a defect in the enamel that is close to the gum line. Abfraction is a v-shaped groove in the tooth that you can feel with your fingernail. Abfraction can be mild of severe and can be improved with desensitizing toothpaste or Fluoride some types of abfraction can treated by your dentist. See pictures of abfraction here.
Tooth clenching places a tremendous amount of stress on your teeth. The constant nature of clenching makes it quite destructive to your teeth and gums and a common source of tooth nerve pain. Clenching often occurs during sleep. Clenching at night can be episodic (occasional) or constant. You may do it only when you are stressed. But clenching can also be habit forming and eventually become constant. In these cases, a night guard is recommended to keep the jaw muscles relaxed and the teeth slightly apart in a neutral position. Wearing a night guard may be an adjustment but they are quite comfortable and provide significant relief for those who constantly clench their teeth while sleeping. Though night guards can be purchased over the counter, the most comfortable type is one that is custom made by your dentist. More about clenching here.
Brushing too hard is another cause of tooth nerve pain. This pain occurs as a result of the enamel being worn away. It is seen most often near the gum line and looks like a flat area on the tooth.More about proper brushing technique here. The use of abrasive toothpaste is also damaging to your enamel. The makers of toothpaste are require to disclose the relative dentin abrasively score or RDA. Whitening toothpastes are sometimes too abrasive. More about RDA here.
Mild tooth nerve pain (sensitivity) occurs as a result of the nerve's normal reaction to a stimulus.
The lower front teeth are often very sensitive to cold food or drinks and cold air. This is normal and usually doesn't require treatment. In some teeth, the nerve is closer to the surface of the tooth and has less enamel insulating it from cold. Children and young adults often complain of this type of pain. Nerves tend to shrink as we age making this type of sensitivity less likely in older people. The use of desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride can improve this condition.
You should always have tooth pain evaluated by your dentist to be sure it is not a problem that needs treatment.