Some Most Common Causes of Tooth Pain

Tooth pain is considered the worst of all pains. A sharp, shooting, radiating pain can make anyone go ouch! While many dental issues can be long-standing and cause continuous pain, a few can be acute and cause sudden pain. Some chronic causes include a cavity, infected gums, and impacted teeth, and the acute causes can be food lodgement, trauma from biting, hard blow on teeth and more.

Tooth pain can have various causes, and it’s important to identify the underlying issue in order to provide appropriate treatment. Here are some of the most common causes of tooth pain:

1. Tooth decay: Dental cavities or tooth decay occur when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the tooth enamel. This can lead to tooth sensitivity or sharp pain, especially when eating or drinking.
2. Gum disease: Gingivitis or periodontitis, which are forms of gum disease, can cause tooth pain. Gum disease is characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums, which can lead to gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and discomfort.
3. Dental abscess: An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection. When an abscess develops at the root of a tooth or between the tooth and gums, it can cause severe, throbbing tooth pain.
4. Tooth fractures or cracks: Teeth can become fractured or cracked due to trauma, biting down on hard objects, or from underlying dental conditions. These cracks can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, resulting in pain, especially when chewing.
5. Dental trauma: Accidents or injuries that impact the mouth can cause tooth pain. This can include fractures, dislodged teeth, or damage to the surrounding structures.
6. Tooth sensitivity: Some people experience tooth sensitivity when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. This can be due to worn tooth enamel, exposed tooth roots, or gum recession.
7. Dental procedures: Tooth pain can also occur as a temporary side effect following dental procedures such as fillings, root canals, or extractions. It typically subsides as the area heals.

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there can be other causes of tooth pain as well. Consulting with a dentist is the best way to determine the specific cause of your tooth pain and receive appropriate treatment.

Dental problems are unbiased and similarly affect children and adults. However, the duration and causes of toothache vary. To rule out the cause of dental pains and to avoid further damage, it is important to visit the dentist as soon as possible.

Let’s talk about some of the most common causes of tooth pain:

5 Most Common Reasons for Tooth Aches

Toothaches are like unpleasant uninvited guests, and once they arrive, they can cause havoc. If you have already experienced dental pain, you know exactly what it feels like, and if you haven’t experienced it yet, you belong to the lucky few. However, it is vital to know the common reasons for toothache to avoid the pain and steer clear of dental problems.

Cavity/Tooth Decay

One of the most common and visible reasons for tooth pain is tooth decay. If the cavity progresses and reaches the tooth’s inner layers, the pulp of the tooth starts showing signs of inflammation, which causes pulsating pain.

If you experience sensitivity, the cavity can be removed, and the pain can be reversed. However, if the cavity deepens and you see blackish discolouration or swelling, you may have to go for Root Canal Treatment.

Periodontitis

It is an aggressive condition which affects the tooth and the gums simultaneously. The gums start to regress to expose the tooth, which leads to tooth mobility, pain, and extreme sensitivity. Swollen and inflamed gums make it hard to chew or speak. Moreover, it leads to bone loss and further issues that may hinder treatment following tooth loss like dentures, implants, bridges or more. Thus, it is important to care for your bone loss and loose teeth as soon you see the first signs of mobility or gum recession.

Impacted Tooth

An impacted tooth is one that fails to grow or come out of the socket and can cause pockets, pus, swelling etc. This kind of pain is mostly associated with the wisdom tooth as they are the last ones to erupt. If the gums obstruct the wisdom tooth, it can cause inflammation of the gums covering the tooth, causing pain on chewing or opening the mouth.

This kind of pain can be easily managed with medications, gum paints and mouthwash. However, if the pain increases or is recurring, your dentist may advise surgical extraction of the tooth or gingivectomy of the portion of the gums covering the tooth.

Trauma

Blow on the teeth, injury or trauma are the most obvious reasons for tooth pain. If the trauma is accompanied by a knocked out or a chipped off tooth, you may need to see the dentist at the earliest.

A knocked-out tooth can be fixed back into the socket if you have the tooth (immerse into milk or keep it in your mouth) and present it to the dentist within 30 minutes of the injury. Whereas, if the tooth is chipped, your dentist can reconstruct the tooth or save the tooth with RCT followed by capping.

Trauma from occlusion

These types of dental pains are long-standing and are caused because of the abnormal occlusion of the teeth. Malocclusion is likely hereditary and contributes to several dental, skeletal, and muscular pains. For instance, if the upper teeth are inside the lower ones or if the teeth are in a crossbite, then you may experience continuous pain on chewing or even at rest. This may even cause attrition of the teeth followed by sensitivity as they will grind against each other.

The best treatment for these pains is talking to your dentist regarding the occlusion and undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Get in Touch With The Experts To Cure Tooth Pain

There can be many reasons for dental pain. Anything from a popcorn kernel to a hard candy can cause toothache. But the good news is that many of these toothaches are treatable and preventable if an expert dentist undertakes dental health.

1. Visit a dentist: The first and most important step is to schedule an appointment with a dentist. Dentists are dental experts who can diagnose the cause of your tooth pain and provide appropriate treatment. They have the necessary knowledge and skills to address a wide range of dental issues.
2. Ask for recommendations: Seek recommendations from family, friends, or colleagues for dentists they trust and have had positive experiences with. Alternatively, you can search online for dental clinics or practitioners in your area and read reviews from other patients to help you make an informed decision.
3. Call dental clinics: Once you have a list of potential dentists, call their clinics to inquire about their availability, expertise, and whether they are accepting new patients. Explain your situation and ask if they can accommodate you promptly. This will help you find a dentist who can address your specific needs.
4. Emergency dental services: If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain outside of regular office hours and it can’t wait, look for emergency dental services in your area. Many dental clinics have emergency protocols and offer after-hours care to handle urgent cases.
5. Online platforms: There are also online platforms that can help connect you with dentists for virtual consultations or advice. These platforms allow you to communicate with dental professionals remotely, discuss your symptoms, and receive guidance on what steps to take next.

Remember, it’s crucial to consult a dental professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. They can evaluate your specific situation and provide personalized advice based on their expertise.