There are many possible reasons you are experiencing tooth pain, from a broken tooth to an infection. While some toothaches are temporary and dissipate in a few hours, some are serious and require immediate medical attention. Make sure you consult a dentist if you have a toothache. Here are some leading causes of tooth pain.
Gum Recession
Your gum covers the jaw bone and forms a protective barrier around the roots of your teeth to secure the nerve endings. Gum tissue wears out with age leading to gum recession. Moreover, gum tissues can also wear out because of poor oral hygiene.
Receding gums expose your teeth and make them vulnerable to tooth infections and gum disease. If you notice sudden intense tooth sensitivity, you likely have gum recession.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is an infection of the pulp chamber of your tooth. This infection inside the tooth can lead to swollen gums, an infected root, bone loss, and severe pain. An abscess may arise when a cavity reaches the pulp chamber of your tooth. It may also occur after your tooth is hit.
Other causes of an abscess include tooth grinding and a crown too close to the pulp chamber. Some symptoms of a tooth abscess include darkening of the gums, throbbing pain on the affected tooth, and gum swelling.
Teeth Grinding
Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, is a typical cause of dental discomfort. People typically grind their teeth while they are asleep or when they encounter stressful situations. Excessive teeth grinding is characterized by clenching the jaw violently and grinding the top and bottom teeth against each other. In severe cases, teeth grinding can result in chipped teeth, sore jaw bones, and headaches. In many cases, a dentist will prescribe a mouthguard for bruxism to relieve the stress on teeth while the patient is sleeping.
Enamel Erosion
Some people suffer from dentin hypersensitivity, which causes them to feel uncomfortable when eating. This form of sensitivity can result from brushing teeth too hard and eating acidic foods, among other factors. Consequently, the enamel that protects the teeth starts to wear out. This can cause excruciating pain when you eat certain foods.
In Closing
Many people tend to treat tooth pain with over-the-counter pain medication. Some toothaches are caused by serious problems that, if not treated quickly, can lead to tooth extraction. If you experience tooth pain, ensure you go for a dental checkup to determine the root cause of the problem. Furthermore, your dentist will recommend a solution that will relieve the pain permanently.
For more information on dentistry, contact a professional near you.
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