I have this tooth that hurts?

Question

On the top left, the 2nd molar. It's been sore since I got up this morning. The same one on the bottom left hurts as well. It's a constant ache, if I bite down hard on it, it feels better. I think I might have been clenching my teeth overnight, I've been kind of stressed recently and I know I sometimes clench my teeth during the day, so I guess I probably do at night as well.

Anyway, does it sound like it could be because of clenching my teeth? If so, what's the best thing to do to get rid of the pain, firstly right now, and secondly in the long term?

Oh yeah, and if I put my hand on my cheek, the warmth seems to help with the pain.

Yes, it does sound fairly obvious, doesn't it? But what I was actually ASKING (if you actually bothered to read the question) was whether it sounded like the pain was due to clenching my teeth. In which case an immediate trip to the dentist wouldn't be necessary, would it?

Answer 1

If it is from clenching your teeth, the PDL (periodontal ligament) can be sore on both teeth (top and bottom). If it is the PDL and just soreness from clenching, an Advil regimen should take care of it. You should take 600-800 mg 4 x day for 4-5 days. Advil is an anti-inflamatory and should take care of inflammation of the PDL but you need it in the prescription strength dose. You can get them over the counter so just add the mg up to equal 600-800. In the US they come in 200 mg capsules so you would take 3-4 tablets. If you continue to clench, you may need an appliance (like a nightguard) for long term maintenance. A dentist can make you one. If the Advil doesn't take care of it, then you may have a cavity or infection of the nerve space on that tooth and then you will have to see a dentist to confirm that diagnosis and treat it. It doesn't normally affect the bottom one with a toothache though so hopefully it is just from clenching. Good luck.

Answer 2

I'm no dentist but i think u might have problem deep in below the enamel at the root, if your tooth looks discolored, and the pain continues, it might be because your tooth is dying, i would guess, how old are u because u might be getting your wisdom teeth in, u said second molar right? But the part about u clenching your teeth sound more like a problem in that tooth. Are your gums swollen? Do u think u have a cavity? For right now u can swab it with a quetip and some stuff from Walgreen's i think its ambisol i dont remember. I would flaws around the tooth and give it a really good brushing, sometimes u can locate it with some good brushing, (cavity) other than that good luck!

Answer 3

Toothache questions are a staple of Y! Answers. I'm always surprised that neither Answerers nor toothache sites found with Google mention something my dentist told us years ago: the first thing to do is to pack the tooth with bicarbonate of soda. It costs virtually nothing and if the pain is caused by acid, as often is the case with decay, it should be relieved somewhat.

All the internet sites recommend Ibuprofen. The following is typical:

-- avoid hot, cold or sweet stimuli. This will help prevent pain from pulpitis.

-- if the pain is prolonged and severe, painkillers such as ibuprofen (eg Nurofen) may provide some relief. Remember even if the pain goes away, without treatment it will eventually become worse.

-- if the pain is caused by exposed root surfaces, toothpaste for sensitive teeth, either used normally or rubbed onto the exposed root, may be helpful.

-- a hot saltwater mouthwash (a teaspoon of salt to a cup of water) used to thoroughly rinse the painful area may help if the problem is caused by a tooth erupting.

-- a saltwater mouthwash can also prevent infection if you have mouth ulcers.

-- visit your dentist as soon as possible. This way any treatment will be simple.

Answer 4

The only way to find out is to see a dentist. There is such a thing as referred pain in which a bad tooth effects the upper and lower jaw. If it is caused by TMJ or clenching/grinding your teeth there is an appliance you can wear at night to stop it. Either way, you need to consult a dentist.

Answer 5

Sounds like you are clenching your teeth in your sleep, I sometimes do when I am stressed and my dentist made me a mouthguard for my bottom teeth and it helps although I sometimes take it out during my sleep but it does help, my dentist also had one when she was in her final year and she said that hers would often be on her pillow when she woke up.

My friend also clenches his teeth when he is stresses but he did not go to see a dentist until it was too late and he ended up having to have 3 bottom front teeth out.

Answer 6

Yes, your clenching has eroded your protective enamel. Most likely, your dentin underneath your enamel is exposed causing pain. For now, get a mouth guard from your local sporting goods store (you can boil it in water so that you can form it to your bite) and wear that overnight. Also, purchase toothpaste with potassium nitrate to sooth your exposed dentin. It may take about two weeks for you to feel better. If pain persists or gets worse, you may need to see the Dentist. DON'T feel bad, with today's stress, many people grind like you do. Fix it.

Answer 7

Long term - need to see your dentist prossibly for new fillings or extraction.
Short-term - on the end of your index finger place 1 drop of oil of clove - (not too much - it stings) rub gums with finger - this will alleviate the painful teeth in the short term.

Answer 8

Yes it could well be the clenching when you sleep.I had teeth probs once and couldn't believe the Doc when she said I was probably clenching my teeth in my sleep.I never get cross with anyone but I guess something was bugging me.

Answer 9

Ok , it's easy . Here are the friends of pain :
1- Hot & cold drinks ( water , coke , tea , etc .) .
2- Sugar ( ice cream , coke , tea , cake , fruits , etc ) .
So stop such things for the next hours ; the day after , for sure , you will be ok . But I must tell you that must minimys the use of cold and hot water and sugar , not only today ; but every day .

Answer 10

sounds to me like you are clenching your teeth, you should go see your dentist and ask for a soft splint to wear over nite