A Healthy Smile Is Important for a Great Overall Appearance

Dental pain or toothaches are often caused by cavities, acid erosion, and dental abscesses. You may also experience some dental discomfort following your orthodontic adjustment appointments when getting your braces tightened. Dental pain needs to be evaluated by your general dentist so they can determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. During your appointment, your dentist may ask you certain questions about your health that may reveal the following, less common causes of your dental pain. 

Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis, a sinus infection, or even allergies can lead to inflammation of the sinus cavity. Not only can this cause problems breathing through your nose and pain in your forehead and face, but it can also lead to dental pain, especially in your top back teeth. Excessive mucus inside your sinus cavity as well as inflamed sinus tissues can put pressure on your gums and teeth, which may lead you to believe that you have a cavity or other dental problem.

If your dental pain is accompanied by post-nasal drip, a bitter taste in your mouth, green or yellow mucus, or fever, then you may have a sinus infection. If your physician or dentist believes that you have a bacterial sinus infection, they may prescribe antibiotics. However, if you have a sinus infection caused by a virus, antibiotics will not be prescribed. Once your sinus condition has been treated, your dental pain may also subside. 

Hormonal Causes

Another little-known cause of dental pain may be related to fluctuating hormone levels, especially estrogen levels. This can happen during menopause when estrogen levels dramatically decline. Estrogen helps keep your gums and teeth healthy and when your estrogen levels decline, you may be at a higher risk for periodontal disease.

While periodontal disease cause gum inflammation, bleeding gums, shifting teeth, bad breath, and even loose teeth, the only symptoms you may notice are dental pain or severe toothaches.

Visiting your general dentist regularly will help lower your risk for hormone-related periodontal disease and it will also help promote healing of existing periodontal disease. In addition to dental care, your physician may recommend estrogen replacement therapy to help maintain oral health and reduce your risk for periodontal disease. 

If you have dental pain, make an appointment with your general dentist. Once they have examined your oral cavity and talked to you about your medical and dental history, they can then prescribe a treatment plan to relieve your pain.