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If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Tooth pain can be caused by a variety of issues, including cavities, gum disease, and abscesses. Left untreated, tooth pain can lead to further health complications. Your dentist will be able to determine the cause of your tooth pain and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Let’s go over some of the reasons for achy teeth.
7 Reasons Why Your Teeth May Be Hurting
1. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay (cavities) is a dental problem that occurs when tooth enamel is weakened and bacteria destroy the dentin. This problem can cause severe pain, tooth loss, and other oral health problems. Tooth decay is preventable by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist for regular checkups.
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious oral health problem that can impact overall health if left untreated. It is caused by the accumulation of plaque on teeth, which hardens into tartar. The bacteria in plaque and tartar cause inflammation of the gums, leading to gum disease. Symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums; bad breath; receding gums; tooth loss; and jaw pain.
3. TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ can cause pain in your jaw, face, and neck. You might also hear a clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth. TMJ can be caused by stress, poor posture, or an injury to the jaw. The good news is that there are ways to relieve the pain and discomfort of TMJ.
4. Diabetes
Frequently high blood sugar can affect the saliva in your mouth. This results in increased bacteria and the growth of plaque.
5. Receding gums
Reseeding gum tissue is a common cause of tooth pain. When the dentist performs a root canal, they often have to remove the entire infected pulp tissue in the center of the tooth. If they do not remove all of the infected tissue, it can lead to a condition called re-infection. This is where the seeding process can come in and cause pain. Reseeding gums introduces new bacteria into an area that has been treated and is trying to heal.
6. Pulpitis
Frequently high blood sugar can affect the saliva in your mouth. This results in increased bacteria and Pulpitis is an inflammation of the dental pulp and is classified as either reversible or irreversible. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and connective tissue. Pulpitis may develop when bacteria enter the tooth through a cavity, crack, or chip in the enamel. It can also result from deep cleaning or other dental procedures. Symptoms of pulpitis include toothache, sensitivity to heat or cold, and/or swelling and redness of the gums.
7. Abscess
Abscesses are collections of pus that can form anywhere in the body. They’re often caused by a bacterial infection and can be painful and swollen. Though they’re not usually dangerous, they should be treated by a doctor to prevent them from spreading. Abscesses can be treated with antibiotics, drainage, or surgery.
Conclusion
There are a lot of things that can cause tooth pain. It’s important to get your tooth pain diagnosed. Once the cause is established, our team will work on a treatment plan just for you. Contact us today to schedule your next cleaning.