Good at-home oral hygiene habits paired with regular dental exams can help prevent most causes of tooth pain. But even with the most rigorous dental care regimen, it’s possible to experience severe discomfort in a tooth. Following are four common causes of tooth pain.
Sensitive teeth
If you notice a sharp, temporary pain in a tooth while brushing, eating, or drinking, it could be caused by worn tooth enamel. Your dentist might recommend an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste to help block pain associated with sensitive teeth. He might also apply fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain in the sensitive areas.
Impacted tooth
When teeth are prevented from moving into their proper position in the mouth by other teeth, gums, or bone, you’ve got an impaction. This commonly happens with wisdom teeth since they are the last to erupt, typically between ages 17-21. The jawbone can’t accommodate the extra teeth, so they stay trapped under the gum, causing pressure and pain. Many people have their wisdom teeth, or “third molars,” extracted in their teens before they undergo orthodontic work, such as braces.
Cracked tooth
The pressure from biting, chewing, and grinding can weaken teeth over time. A tooth can crack suddenly and noticeably when you bite down hard on an object, or it can be a more subtle fracture you might not notice for a while. Sensitivity to hot, cold, air, and pressure are all signs of a cracked tooth. If left untreated, bacteria can build up inside the pulp chamber, leading to a very painful infection and severe swelling in the form of an abscess.
Sinus infection
This non-dental cause of tooth pain is common in people who suffer from allergies or frequent colds. The cavities around the nasal passages become swollen and inflamed, causing pain in the teeth located in the upper back corners of your mouth. Your dentist may suggest decongestants or other medications to relieve sinus pressure.
If you’re suffering from tooth pain, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Many conditions worsen over time. Call us at (630) 323-5333, or use our online contact form to send us an appointment request message. We look forward to hearing from you!