A Teenager's Guide to Braces

Most causes of dental pain can be uncovered when you visit your family dentist. Common problems such as tooth sensitivity, enamel erosion, or infection can lead to pain. However, there are other, less common causes. Here are three unusual reasons for your dental pain and what you can do about them:

Nasal Polyps

If you have nasal polyps, you may experience dental pain, especially on the top row of your teeth. Nasal polyps are benign fleshy growths that develop inside your nose and are often seen in people who take aspirin on a regular basis.

The polyps can put pressure on your sinuses and teeth, and may even lead to taste and smell abnormalities. If you experience dental pain, especially if accompanied by loss of smell or taste, or if you have constant nasal congestion, nosebleeds, or sinus pressure, you might have nasal polyps.

If your polyps are the result of aspirin consumption, talk to your doctor before you stop taking it, especially if you take it to lower your risk for heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. Aspirin is a blood thinner and can help lower your risk for the aforementioned health conditions. Abruptly discontinuing aspirin therapy can heighten your risk for a dangerous cardiovascular event. 

Decongestants can help minimize polyp-related symptoms, however, if conservative methods are ineffective, your doctor may recommend that you undergo surgery to remove them. 

Vitamin Toxicity

While taking a daily multivitamin may help augment a nutrient-deficient diet, taking mega-doses of certain vitamins or minerals may lead to toxicity. Vitamin toxicity can cause digestive problems, fluctuations in your blood glucose levels, abnormal serum electrolytes, weakness, and dizziness.

While these are some of the most common adverse reactions to taking large doses of vitamins, nerve damage can also occur. Vitamins, especially B vitamins, if taken in large doses can cause nerve damage. The cranial nerve known as the facial nerve is susceptible to the effects of B vitamin toxicity. If you have facial nerve damage you may experience burning or tingling sensations in your face, itching, numbness, or dental pain. 

Food Allergies

If you have food allergies, you may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after consuming the offending item. Rashes, itching, lip swelling, and wheezing can also occur, however, in addition to these, you may notice that your teeth hurt.

Allergies often promote the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines which trigger a systemic inflammation response. When this happens your joints, muscles, and bones may hurt, including the bones in your mouth that support your teeth. If you have food allergies, ask your doctor about taking an over-the-counter antihistamine, which may suppress cytokine release.

If you develop dental pain, make an appointment with your dentist. If he or she is unable to determine the cause of your discomfort, you may be referred back to your primary care physician for further evaluation and treatment. For more information, contact a dentist like John S. Lyon DDS.