Toothaches and gum problems are common. But you can usually prevent them by taking good care of your teeth and gums. Keeping your teeth, gums, and the bones around your teeth healthy requires regular brushing, flossing, and good nutrition. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste that's approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
Sometimes you may have tooth pain when you touch a tooth or when you eat or drink foods that are hot, cold, sweet, or sour (a sensitive tooth). Mild sensitivity can be caused by shrunken (receded) gums or a worn-down tooth. Moderate to severe sensitivity can mean that you have a cracked tooth, a dental cavity, or a lost filling. Seeing a dentist for treatment can prevent the tooth from dying.
The most common cause of a toothache is tooth decay. But you might not have a toothache in the early stages of decay. Other reasons for a toothache might include:
Sometimes a toothache can be caused by another health problem, such as:
Healthy gums are pink and firm and don't bleed easily. Now and then, your gums may bleed if you brush your teeth and gums too hard, use a hard-bristled toothbrush, or snap dental floss hard against your gums. Be gentle with your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss carefully to help prevent bleeding gums.
Gingivitis is a gum disease that causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain, many people delay treatment. If not treated, gum disease can cause more serious problems with the gum tissue.
Periodontitis is severe gum disease. It's caused by long-term infection of the gums, bone, and other tissues that surround and support the teeth. It can progress until the bones that support the teeth are damaged. In this late stage, teeth may become loose and fall out or need to be removed. Early treatment of gum disease is important to prevent tooth loss.
Other causes of gum bleeding, swelling, and pain include:
Smoking and using other tobacco products increases your risk for gum disease. Smokers have a higher chance of having gum disease throughout their mouths than nonsmokers. But you might not have symptoms of bleeding or swollen gums. That's because the normal bleeding immune response is affected by tobacco use. Chewing tobacco or using snuff may push back the gums in the area of the mouth where the tobacco is inserted. Constant irritation caused by tobacco products increases your risk of oral cancer.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy requires good nutrition and regular brushing and flossing.
Try these tips to help treat a sensitive tooth, toothache, or gum problem.
You can reduce sensitivity to heat, cold, or brushing.
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