Healthy Smile: “All of My Teeth Hurt”

by Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD of The Healthy Smile

My assistant called me and told me that a patient just called complaining that all of his teeth hurt. I had not seen this patient for several years. Yes, he was overdue for his regular preventative care. Despite this fact, his statement was rather startling. He complained further of general pain in his gums and even his tongue. He wanted to make an appointment for an exam to solve these issues. I was not in the office when he called and could sense the urgency of his request. Unfortunately, I could not help him. You may ask, “why not?”

The answer is quite simple. I treat problems emanating from the teeth or gums, and when everything hurts as described, the problem was not originating from the teeth. When every tooth hurts in the mouth, we are not dealing with a dental problem. The complaints were due to a medical issue that manifested itself in the mouth. Teeth and gums together were uncomfortable. When everything hurts, I look outside the mouth for a source.

This patient needs to see a physician for a full workup. Just because the chief complaint shows up in the mouth, does not always mean we have a tooth problem. Often this is the case but often is not always. My job is to sort out the complaints and find a cause.

Knowing that when everything is hurting may not be a dental problem brings up the question, when should you call the dentist? I will list some common causes which should prompt you to call your dental professional.

1. Broken tooth: Whether there is pain or not, a breakdown in the integrity of the tooth, an evaluation is in order.
2. Sensitivity to temperature: A new sensation that causes you to stop eating and instinctively reach for your mouth requires investigation. It does not matter if the sensation causes discomfort for a few seconds or much longer.
3. Trapping food between your teeth: When packing of food occurs, it creates an unhealthy situation. Embedding of pieces of food either represents a problem or will cause a problem if not remedied.
4. Change in tooth color: If you find a tooth starting to darken, so it stands out from its neighbors, the color change may be indicative of a dying tooth or an infection. A dying tooth needs treatment to avoid serious issues.
5. Lumps or swelling: If you run your tongue around your mouth and notice something sticking out, it’s time for a visit. Often an infection will be the cause of this enlargement or growth.

I listened to a dermatologist speak today. He discussed the importance of a regular self-examination to find early signs for skin cancer. The same concept applies to dental care. Take time to look around and feel around your mouth. You should bring any change in your teeth or your mouth to the attention of a dental professional. The next time you notice or feel something different, please call our office at 440-892-1810. We will help you arrange a visit to investigate your situation.

Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD is an Ohio licensed general dentist and is on the staff of Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine.

The Healthy Smile • 27239 Wolf Road, Bay Village, OH 44140 • 440-892-1810 • www.jeffreygrossdds.com