Tooth pain may feel dull and achy or sharp and throbbing. However, whatever the pain feels like, it can totally throw you off your daily routine. Tooth pain makes it difficult for you to eat, speak, focus or even have some sleep at night. Pain is not supposed to be there. Therefore, if something does not feel right in your mouth, make sure that you visit your dentist as soon as possible to have it looked at.
Here are some of the top 10 reasons for tooth pain.
1. Tooth Decay
The top most common reason for tooth pain is tooth decay. This may not be all that exciting or new, but it is something that can affect any of us. For your tooth and the surrounding area to hurt, tooth decay would have to be significant enough to get to the inner layer of the tooth known as the dentin. Once your dentin is damaged, the tooth becomes very sensitive. A cavity is formed in the process resulting in severe tooth pain.
2. Chip, Fracture, or Crack
Your teeth may become weak due to pressure exerted from biting, chewing, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching. What usually starts as thin lines in the tooth enamel evolves into cracks, chips, and fractures exposing the nerve endings thus causing tooth pain.
3. Gum Recession
Gum recession can occur over a period of time thereby exposing the sensitive tooth roots. It can be caused by vigorous teeth brushing or using a toothbrush that is too hard.
4. Orthodontic Alignment
Orthodontic dental alignment systems such as retainers and braces can cause a lot of discomfort and tooth pain. Usually, the tooth pain is noticeable immediately after the adjustments are made due to the tightening and moving of teeth. And normally this pain fades off after a few days. However, if this pain persists, then discuss it with your dentist about readjusting your alignment systems.
5. Gum Disease
In most cases, gum disease is accompanied by tooth pain and bleeding gums. One of the usual causes of this is inflamed gums and bones. If left untreated, it can lead to bone loss as well as damaged gums and teeth. In severe cases, surgical treatment may be needed to remove the infection.
6. Loose or Damaged Fillings
Loose or damaged dental fillings can expose the sensitive part of a tooth thus leading to tooth pain.
7. Sinus Pain
Sinus congestion may result in pain that may radiate into the mouth and feel like tooth pain.
8. Enamel Erosion
Acids from the foods you consume and gastric acids from heartburn and heaving can wear away your tooth enamel thus leading to tooth pain.
9. Abscessed Tooth
An abscess is a pus-filled sac caused by an infection at the root of a tooth which leads to extreme tooth pain. The infection breaks away the tooth enamel thereby exposing the inner and sensitive part of a tooth.
10. Dental Cavities
There are certain bacteria in your mouth that feed on the food that remains trapped between your teeth. These bacteria produce acids that over time eat away your enamel and expose the dentin thus causing a lot of tooth pain.
Bottom Line:
As you can see, tooth pain is a warning sign of all sorts of threats to your dental health. Contact or schedule an appointment with our dentists at Carrum Downs Dental Clinic today. They will help you identify the reason for your tooth pain. We will also recommend appropriate treatment options so you can feel better and protect your smile.
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