Toothaches are the most common types of dental pain and if you’ve experienced one, you know that they can make your life miserable. Sore teeth shouldn’t be ignored, as they can be caused by a number of things that need to be addressed by a dentist.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, here are some of the most common causes of sore teeth and what to do about it.
1. Gum Disease
Gum disease is incredibly common in adults. It starts out as gingivitis in its early stages but can escalate into periodontal disease if left untreated. If you don’t brush and floss regularly and properly, a layer of plaque can form on your teeth and harden. This then causes bleeding gums, painful chewing, and even tooth loss if it escalates.
The good news is that if you catch it early, gum disease can be reversed. Regular dental visits and proper dental hygiene can help prevent and treat gum disease.
2. Tooth Decay
Cavities are also very common. If you have sharp and sudden tooth pain, especially when you are eating or chewing on a certain side, you might have a cavity.
Cavities often go undetected for a while, so if you are having pain and suspect a cavity, it is important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible. Depending on how advanced it is, your dentist might fill the cavity or you might need more extensive dental work, such as a root canal, crown, or tooth extraction.
3. Sensitivity to Heat and Cold
Have you ever eaten or drank something extremely hot or cold and felt a sharp flash of pain in your teeth? If so, you might have sensitive teeth. This is often caused by worn tooth enamel or exposed nerves.
Speak with your dentist about this sensitivity and consider a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
4. TMJ
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, known as TMJ, is pain caused by the joint that hinges your lower jaw to your skull. If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night, you may wake up with extreme pain in this joint.
TMJ can be treated by a splint that repositions your jaw or a mouthguard to prevent clenching or grinding. Reducing stress is one way to try to reduce clenching and grinding at night as well.
5. Cracked Tooth or Crown
If you crack a tooth or a crown, you might know it right away and be able to see the damage. But, that’s not always the case. You might have a slight crack in your tooth that you can’t see but can surely feel.
A crack in your tooth or dental work can cause sensitivity and extreme pain. You’ll need to see a dentist to address this pain.
Don’t Let Sore Teeth Ruin Your Day
Sore teeth can impact every aspect of your day, making you miserable and unable to complete your day-to-day responsibilities. If you suspect that your toothache is due to a more serious issue, such as gum disease, tooth decay, TMJ, or a cracked tooth, you should make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.
If you are in the Ancaster area, Estrabillo Dental Group is open 5 days a week with convenient hours to fit your schedule. Contact us today to make an appointment.
