When you’re experiencing tooth pain, the sooner it can be relieved, the better. Pain is your body’s signal to you that something isn’t right and there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. When your teeth hurt, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your dentist, but in the meantime, we’ve compiled a list of the most common reasons why you might have tooth pain.
Teeth Grinding/TMJ
If you have jaw pain, constant headaches, or tension in your jaw, you might be grinding your teeth without realizing it. Your dentist can offer solutions such as nighttime mouth guards to keep you from damaging your teeth and discourage the grinding.
Cavity
Cavities are common, but that doesn’t make them hurt any less! Cavities are caused by bacteria eroding enamel and causing holes in the teeth, which exposes sensitive dental tissue. It’s best to see a dentist as soon as you think you may have a cavity, because if left unchecked, the decay can travel deep inside the tooth and require more extensive treatment.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscess anywhere on your body is a serious problem, but in your mouth, they can really cause a problem. Abscessed teeth are caused by an infection at the tooth’s roots. They’re extremely painful and can result from extensive tooth decay. To treat an abscess, your dentist needs to remove the infected tissue and prescribe antibiotics.
Damaged or Lost Filling
If you’ve had cavities before, you may have had fillings placed. Over time, fillings can become damaged or lost altogether, exposing the sensitive tissue in the cavity. Your dentist can replace the filling and make sure no further decay has occurred.
Temperature Sensitivity
Teeth have a hard exterior, and they are normally a little sensitive to temperature, but if you’re experiencing severe sensitivity to temperature, you might want to follow up with a dentist. Sometimes, the underlying layer of the tooth, called the dentin, can become exposed due to cracks in enamel or recession of the gums.
It’s a good idea to see a dentist as soon as you notice tooth pain, because the pain is often an indication of a problem. If you’re in the Washington, DC area, contact District Dental Solutions to find relief for your dental pain.
