Why Does My Tooth Hurt?
Are you experiencing tooth pain? There are several reasons why you might have a sudden toothache or sensitive teeth. Here are just some of the common reasons you may suddenly feel dental discomfort, aside from an injury to your mouth.
Cavities/Tooth Decay:
Not every cavity hurts, but some do. Cavities usually hurt when you’re eating or drinking something that is sweet, such as juice, diet soda, or a sports drink. But decay doesn’t have to cause pain. You might feel something is “off” with your tooth, rather than physical discomfort.
Since cavities tend to form between teeth or in the deep grooves of the chewing surfaces, they’re often not visible to the naked eye. Dr. Rosas will order a small X-ray of that area to pinpoint the source of your dental infection.
Gum Recession
Your gum tissues should wrap around your tooth roots, protecting them and the bone surrounding them from external stimuli. If the gums recede, your exposed roots will become hypersensitive to any irritation. Be it brushing, breathing, or just eating a regular meal.
Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by whitening products. Such as whitening excessively or using a product that’s too strong. Dr. Rosas can guide you into finding the best dental bleaching product for your smile.
Nerve Damage
Do cold or hot temperatures cause tooth pain? A toothache from hot drinks or foods is often linked to a dying nerve in your tooth. Thankfully, cold sensitivity is not something to worry about.
Teeth with nerve damage also develop dental abscesses. Your symptoms can range from mild to severe pain and swelling along the gums or a discharge is completely expected. To avoid unnecessary extractions, abscessed teeth should be treated immediately with root canal therapy. Don’t worry; our gentle root canals in Clear Lake are meant to address and stop tooth pain, rather than cause additional discomfort. Dr. Rosas always puts your comfort at the forefront of everything we do.
Cracked or dying teeth can also be to blame. The nerves in our teeth are extremely sensitive and can be extremely tender to pressure or any other stimuli. Sometimes, a damaged or dying tooth will only hurt if you bite down and apply pressure on it. Sometimes it can take several months or even years for the tooth to begin to erode. If it hurts to eat on that side of your mouth, be sure to call our dentist in Clear Lake to request an exam.
Sinus Pressure
Did you know that allergies and sinus infections can mimic toothaches? If you live in Texas, seasonal allergies are no joke. Since your nasal sinuses are located directly next to your upper tooth roots, any sinus swelling can make it feel like your teeth are hurting.
Referred Pain Coming From Something Else
Did you know that it’s not unusual for a tooth to feel like it hurts, even though there is nothing wrong with it? “Referred pain” is when a tooth feels like it’s hurting, but the issue is in another part of your mouth. It happens because the nerves that transmit sensations can cross over between teeth. Especially since main nerves “feed” a few different teeth at a time. It may feel like one tooth is hurting while it’s actually a neighboring tooth. That’s why a careful dental exam and X-ray or two are always needed before diagnosing specific treatments.
Old, Leaky Fillings or Crowns (Including Recurring Decay)
As older dental fillings or crowns begin to age, it’s common to see some leakage around the margins where they meet your tooth. Especially when we’re talking about older amalgam (silver) fillings. But bridges and crowns are also at risk. These tiny openings between the restoration and your tooth can allow bacteria and saliva to seep underneath them, which can lead to recurring decay and toothaches.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease destroys connective tissues that keep your teeth in their place. On X-rays, we usually see bone loss. During your dental exam, there may be deep “pockets” under your gums, around the roots of your teeth. Your teeth may feel tender or hurt when pressure is applied, because the tiny ligaments that support them tend to pull and stretch.
Clear Lake Dentist Offering Toothache Treatment
Rosas Family Dentistry is currently accepting new patients in Clear Lake. Our gentle family dentist will provide you with prompt treatment and exceptional care to relieve your pain as quickly as possible. Call us today to make your first appointment.