Tooth pain can be terribly debilitating, preventing you not only from eating, but from engaging in basic activities like work and athletics. If your tooth is painful, it's important to call your dentist so he or she can get to the bottom of what's causing the pain. Here's a look at some likely culprits.
Cavities
Cavities don't usually cause pain when they're really small, but if they're not detected early, they erode all of the way through the tooth enamel and start exposing the nerves in your tooth. Just because you can't see a cavity does not mean it's not there; many occur between the teeth.
Receding Gums
The nerves in your teeth are a lot closer to the surface in the portions of your teeth that are typically covered by your gums. If your gums start receding, these portions of your teeth become exposed and react to stimuli like heat, cold, and pressure. Your dentist may recommend treatments like antibiotics and gum grafts to help fight the gum disease that's typically to blame for receding gums.
Enamel Breakdown
Sometimes the enamel on your teeth can grow thin due to acid exposure. This is likely to occur if you drink a lot of acidic beverages like orange juice or soda. It's also common in patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments or rinses to help strengthen your enamel and reduce sensitivity.
A Lost Filling
If the painful tooth had a filling, the pain could be a sign that the filling has either fallen out completely or has become loose. Liquid could be seeping in around the loose filling and coming into contact with the nerve. Your dentist can replace the filling, which should correct the problem quickly.
A Chipped Tooth
Think back over the last few days: did you bite into anything hard or open any packages with your teeth? You may have chipped, or even cracked, a tooth, exposing the nerve. Most chips can be corrected with a procedure similar to a filling, though severe cracks may require that your dentist cover the tooth with a crown.
Infections
If the pain is very serious and ongoing, there may be an infection in the pulp of your tooth. You may also develop a fever and chills. If your dentist does determine your tooth is infected, you'll likely be prescribed antibiotics, and a root canal may be performed in order to allow you to keep the tooth in your mouth.
Don't ignore searing tooth pain! Most causes can be dealt with quickly and easily in your dentist's chair. Contact a clinic like Parker Family Dental to learn more.
Share29 November 2016
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