Dental Pain

Who is Affected?

Anyone can have conditions or dental procedures that cause tooth or gum pain. However, there are some individuals who are more susceptible to experiencing dental pain.

• The elderly, children, those who eat a lot of sugary foods and individuals whose drinking water is not fluoridated can be more at risk of tooth decay.
• Smokers are more likely to lose bone and gum tissue, even if they don't have periodontal disease. Smoking triggers an over-active immune response that increases gum inflammation.
• Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, Down's syndrome, some heart and blood disorders, and AIDS, are more likely to have inflamed gums.
• There are connections between genetics and periodontal disease. Members of the same family will often share a susceptibility to gum disease.
• Women seem to be more susceptible to periodontal problems because of their unique hormonal cycles. Hormonal fluctuations associated with puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and menopause cause gum sensitivity, bleeding and swelling for some women.
• Individuals on certain medications, such as steroids and the calcium channel blocker nifedipine, are more likely to get gum disease.
• Those with misaligned teeth (malocclusion) or who are on certain antidepressants tend to brux (grind) their teeth.
• Individuals who have undergone routine dental work, oral surgery or orthodontic treatment may experience dental pain.