My Tooth Hurts: 5 Possible Reasons

Toothaches are a widespread dental problem that can be very painful. This article will discuss the five potential causes of tooth pain:

1. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a widespread dental issue that causes pain and distress. Bacteria in the mouth produce acids that corrode the enamel, leading to cavities. If left untreated, these cavities can become bigger and deeper, resulting in increased pain and suffering.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the gums and tissues that support the teeth, caused by plaque and tartar buildup. In its early stage, known as gingivitis, symptoms may include redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums when brushing or flossing. If not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can result in bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and pus between the teeth and gums, causing further pain and discomfort.

3. Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is characterized by a sudden, sharp pain when teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. This is due to the protective enamel on the tooth’s surface wearing away, exposing the dentin, which contains tiny tubes that lead to the nerves in the tooth. Possible causes of this sensitivity include brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush; receding gums, which can expose the tooth roots, grinding or clenching of teeth (bruxism); and some teeth whitening treatments, which may cause temporary sensitivity but usually subside after treatment.

4. Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth are those that have not emerged properly into their designated place in the mouth, or when a tooth fails to break through the gumline. This can lead to pain, swelling, and infection if left untreated. Additionally, it can be caused by insufficient space in the jaw for the teeth to grow correctly or when they grow at an angle. The most common type of impacted teeth are wisdom teeth, which usually appear during the late teenage years or early twenties.

When impacted, they can induce pain, swelling, redness, and trouble opening the mouth due to pushing against adjoining teeth and tissue, resulting in inflammation and infection. Furthermore, impacted wisdom teeth may cause other dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and infections as it is hard to clean the adjacent teeth and gums due to the buildup of plaque and bacteria.

5. Trauma

Trauma to the teeth or jaw can cause pain and discomfort, the extent of which depends on the type and severity of the trauma. In some cases, it may even lead to tooth loss. Common types of dental trauma include fractured or chipped teeth, dislodged teeth, jaw injuries and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth such as the tongue, lips or cheeks.

Don’t wait if you’re having trouble with your teeth or any other dental issues – reach out to Parthenia Family Dental. Our experienced dentists can identify the source of your pain and deliver the right treatment.

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