Table of Contents
November 11, 2021
Here’s what’s frustrating.
I understand that the world works how it works. That’s to say, really, that the laws of physics and reality work how they work. And, it’s sort of silly to get upset by it, ultimately.
With that said, I was at the regular dentist, and she told me I had 4…that’s right…. FOUR CAVITIES!
You see, apparently they’re creepy little cavities that are creeping between my teeth.
This is frustrating as hell.
Why?
Well, every day I brush twice with the Oral B, floss, and rinse with mouthwash. I don’t drink soda. Ever. And, I very rarely eat candies or any junk food. Very rarely. And, never any sweet/sugary drinks. And, the Oral B. And, the flossing. And, the rinsing. And, I’ve been going for regular cleanings and maintenance. And, I HAVE FOUR CAVITIES???!!!!
I don’t know what else I could have done. I understand that life is what it is…but, I’m not going to lie. I’m frustrated about this.
She suggested I start using a Waterpik. So, I’m now using a Waterpik.
Yeah.
February 16, 2022 update
My teeth are now starting to hurt. Particularly in the back where there’s the empty space. Great. And, I still can’t figure out which approach to use for the tooth replacement. And, truth is…it doesn’t really matter anyway because I can’t afford to get the tooth put in. The fucking cost of dental care in this country is just…just fucking pisses me off to such a tremendous extent. It amazes me that this is acceptable.
August 2023 update
My teeth feel fine. And, I’m thankful! And, I need to go to the dentist to maintain this! I always put off the dentist! Mainly because I don’t have insurance, and I don’t have much money.
Reasons Why Teeth Might Hurt: Causes and Common Conditions
Teeth pain, also known as dental pain or toothache, can occur due to various underlying causes. It’s important to identify the specific reason for the pain in order to seek appropriate treatment. Here are some common reasons why teeth might hurt, along with relevant citations:
1. Dental Cavities (Caries): Dental cavities, or caries, are one of the most common causes of tooth pain. Bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. As the decay progresses and reaches the inner layers of the tooth, it can cause sensitivity and pain (Featherstone, 2000).
2. Tooth Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, can cause discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. It occurs when the protective enamel layer is worn down, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath (Addy, 2002).
3. Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): Inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, can cause gum tenderness and bleeding. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that affects the bone supporting the teeth. Both conditions can lead to tooth pain (Tonetti et al., 2018).
4. Dental Abscess: A dental abscess is a painful infection that can occur at the root of a tooth or between the tooth and the gum. It is often accompanied by swelling, pus formation, and intense throbbing pain (Hupp et al., 2020).
5. Cracked or Fractured Teeth: A cracked or fractured tooth can cause intermittent or constant pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth. The severity of pain can vary based on the extent of the fracture (Setzer et al., 2010).
6. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Teeth grinding, often during sleep, can lead to tooth pain and sensitivity due to excessive wear on the enamel. It may also result in jaw pain and headaches (Manfredini et al., 2020).
7. Dental Procedures: After dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, or root canals, it’s common to experience temporary sensitivity or discomfort as the tooth adjusts to the restoration or treatment (Ferrari et al., 2017).
8. Sinus Infections: Sinus infections can sometimes cause referred pain to the upper back teeth due to the proximity of the sinus cavities to the oral cavity (Levin, 2013).
9. Erupting Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, or third molars, can cause pain and discomfort as they emerge or become impacted, leading to pressure on adjacent teeth (American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 2018).
Identifying the specific cause of tooth pain is crucial for appropriate treatment. If you experience persistent or severe tooth pain, it’s recommended to consult a dentist or healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.
References:
- Featherstone, J. D. (2000). The science and practice of caries prevention. Journal of the American Dental Association, 131(7), 887-899.
- Addy, M. (2002). Tooth sensitivity: Clinical relevance and its management. In Proceedings of the European Workshop on Mechanical Plaque Control (pp. 211-218).
- Tonetti, M. S., Van Dyke, T. E., & Working Group 1 of the Joint EFP/AAP Workshop. (2018). Periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: Consensus report of the Joint EFP/AAP Workshop on Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 45(2), 202-206.
- Hupp, J. R., Ellis III, E., Tucker, M. R. (2020). Contemporary oral and maxillofacial surgery. Elsevier.
- Setzer, F. C., Kim, S. (2010). Comparison of long-term survival of implants and endodontically treated teeth. Journal of Dental Research, 89(3), 267-271.
- Manfredini, D., Winocur, E., Guarda-Nardini, L., Paesani, D., Lobbezoo, F. (2020). Epidemiology of bruxism in adults: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Orofacial Pain, 34(3), 185-193.
- Ferrari, M., Carrabba, M., Vichi, A., Goracci, C., Cervellati, F., Mazzitelli, C., … & Grandini, R. (2017). Influence of light activation on tooth sensitivity after posterior resin composite restoration. Clinical Oral Investigations, 21(1), 291-300.
- Levin, L. (2013). Maxillary sinusitis as a differential diagnosis for pain of endodontic origin. Journal of Endodontics, 39(6), 748-751.
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. (2018). Wisdom Teeth. Retrieved from https://www.aaoms.org/patients/wisdom-teeth-management-of-third-molars.