Are you experiencing a lot of tooth pain right now? It’s frustrating to have a bad tooth and not know what the underlying cause of it is. This can keep you from seeking the appropriate help and relieving your aches.
The only way to understand your pain is to recognize the most common causes of tooth pain. Then, you can recognize symptoms that belong to each cause. This way, you can find the help you need to alleviate your pain.
Read on to learn about the most common causes of tooth pain. Plus, how to recognize whether the pain you’re experiencing results from a bad tooth or something else.
Grinding Your Teeth
When improperly treated or not treated at all, teeth grinding (bruxism) can be one of the leading causes of tooth pain. Teeth grinding can cause significant wear and tear on the teeth, resulting in chips, fractures, enamel wear, and other damage that can cause significant levels of tooth pain.
Teeth grinding can cause the gums to recede, leading to the roots of the teeth being exposed and, therefore, directly causing pain to the nerves in the root of the tooth. The longer a person grinds their teeth consistently, the more pain they will experience.
Sinus Infection
Sinus infections can be one of the leading causes of tooth pain. When the maxillary sinus becomes infected, pain and tenderness can be felt in the upper teeth, along with other symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue.
As the infection builds, this can lead to pressure and pain in the upper teeth and jaw.
Wisdom Tooth is Growing
The main cause of tooth pain when wisdom teeth are growing is the impacted tooth. An impacted tooth is when a wisdom tooth does not have enough space to grow and becomes stuck underneath the gum line. Therefore, when the wisdom tooth erupts, it has to push against other teeth or the jawbone, causing pressure and pain.
Finally, if the wisdom tooth is trapped, broken, or partially erupted, this can also cause pain and discomfort. When this happens, you might opt for a wisdom tooth removal.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the primary contributing factors to tooth pain. This condition is caused by an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, which can cause serious teeth problems. When gum disease progresses, it can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, exposing the root and resulting in inflammation and pain.
Too Much Exposure to Heat or Cold
This type of temperature sensitivity occurs when the protective layers of the tooth, like enamel and dentin, become eroded and allow the nerves to become exposed. Dentin is a softer material within the tooth than enamel. It can become exposed by grinding or over-brushing or as a result of decay, leading to heightened sensitivity to extreme temperatures.
Hot or cold beverages, acidic foods, and even breathing in cold air can cause a momentary sharp pain or twinge if the dentin is exposed. Prolonged temperature exposure can cause lasting sensitivity and discomfort and should be addressed by a dental professional immediately.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain
Several issues can cause tooth pain. To prevent, treat, or get relief for your tooth pain, it is important to visit a dentist for a professional diagnosis. Dental emergency treatment should be taken seriously, as ignoring potential causes of tooth pain can lead to more serious dental health issues.
Get your smile back, and book an appointment today!
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