If you are currently experiencing mouth pain, it could be associated with a number of issues. Here are a few of them along with their treatment options:

Dental Infection from Decay

An infection can occur within a tooth. Teeth may appear to be solid, but they actually consist of layers. The outermost layer, which is the enamel, is the portion of the tooth in which a cavity develops. As the cavity deepens, it accesses the dentin, which is the secondary layer of the tooth, and finally, the pulp. The pulp, the interior portion of the tooth, is where the blood supply of the tooth and the dental nerves are found. Once a cavity reaches the pulp, the inflammation of the nerve tissue caused by the invasion of bacteria results in extreme discomfort.

In some cases, the pain can be alleviated by an application of antibiotics to kill the infection causing the inflammation. However, often, a root canal is required to stop the discomfort. The root canal involves the removal of the pulp material, including the dental nerves. The hollowed tooth is cleaned, filled and capped.

Wisdom Teeth

The wisdom teeth, the third molars, are located in the very rear of your mouth. They are the last teeth to erupt and frequently associated with problems. Wisdom teeth may grow in sideways, placing painful pressure on the other teeth. Sometimes, this pain develops before the wisdom teeth ever erupt because of their sideways placement beneath the gums.

Some wisdom teeth never fully present. Instead, only a portion of the tooth erupts through the gums. The rest of the tooth remains covered. The gum tissue that covers a portion of the tooth can form a pocket in which bacteria and food can accumulate. The resulting irritation of the gingival tissues can cause pain.

To alleviate the discomfort, the debris must be flushed from the pocket of gums. This can sometimes be accomplished using an oral irrigator. However, if you are unable to remove the debris on your own, a dentist can help. Still, the condition may recur if the gums are not snipped away or the wisdom tooth is not extracted. 

Gum Disease

Inflamed gum tissue can also cause mouth pain. As gum inflammation progresses, the tissues become increasingly red, swollen and tender. Meticulous oral hygiene can help reduce or even reverse gum disease.

To learn more about the causes of mouth pain and how it can be treated, schedule an appointment with a local dentist, such as those found at Beck Pearce Dental.