If you have ever experienced tooth pain, you know just how awful it can be. You may be wondering to yourself, “Why does my tooth hurt?” There are several different factors that can cause tooth pain, and we are going to cover those for you today.
What are the reasons my tooth could be hurting?
Let’s first begin by stating that our teeth have a tendency to be sensitive. If you whiten your teeth, this can increase your sensitivity, thus causing some pain. The difference between sensitivity and on-going tooth pain is that tooth sensitivity usually dissipates after the cold or hot temperatures are removed from the mouth. If you are still experiencing tooth pain long after drinking a cold or hot drink, it is likely that you have something else that is causing your tooth pain.
Here are six factors that could be causing your tooth pain:
- Tooth decay
- Abscessed tooth
- Tooth fracture
- Damaged filling
- Grinding of the teeth
- Infected gums
How do I know if I am suffering from a toothache or something else?
If you are experiencing tooth pain, it may be caused from one of the six factors listed above, but what are the symptoms, you ask?
Some symptoms you may experience when you have tooth pain include:
- Sharp, intense pain that is throbbing, or constant. In certain cases, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth
- Swelling around the tooth
- Fever or headache
- Foul-taste in mouth, usually from the infected or damaged tooth
How can I eliminate the tooth pain I am experiencing?
Making a trip to the dentist is the quickest way to get permanent relief from your tooth pain. We will give you an exam and take x-rays to determine the cause of your pain. Treatment for your toothache depends on what is causing the tooth pain.
If a cavity is causing the pain, we will fill the cavity or extract the tooth. If it is determined that the pain is being caused by an infection of the tooth’s nerve, a root canal may be needed. If we determine that a damaged filling, infected gums, or teeth grinding is the reason for your pain, we will go through all of our options and treatments with you at that time. You may be prescribed antibiotics, a mouthpiece to reduce grinding, or repair of the filling, depending on what the cause may be.
What things should I avoid when experiencing tooth pain?
If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is best to stay away from any foods or situations that might make your symptoms worse. Some foods and beverages to avoid are:
- Sugary foods – sugar promotes bacteria growth and this could be what is causing your tooth pain
- Extremely hot or cold drinks and foods
- Hard or crunchy food
- Sticky foods that remain on teeth
If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is important to call us right away! Even if your pain only lasts for a day and then goes away, it is still important to get it looked at in hopes to avoid a bigger problem later on. Call us today or simply request your appointment online!