Causes of Tooth Pain

At times, you will a noticeable circumstance that may cause tooth pain. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, tooth and gum pain can develop suddenly or worsen over time. If your toothache is not going away and only becoming worse with time, there could be several causes. Only a dentist can examine your oral health in detail and pinpoint the exact cause of the pain.

What Causes Tooth Pain?

Toothaches can be minor to severe and can be caused by anything from a piece of food stuck in the gums to a bacterial infection. Here is why you might be experiencing tooth pain:

Cavities

One of the most common causes of pain is having cavities. If the reason for your toothache is a cavity, it means that the deterioration due to dental decay has reached the nerve space of the tooth. Fortunately, it is possible to treat it. Your dentist may recommend a dental filling after getting your tooth cleaned.

Infected Gums

If there is a build-up of bacteria inside your gum tissues, it can cause inflammation of the gums. The inflammation can lead to tooth and gum pain.

Tooth Fracture

A fractured tooth can be painful. However, the actual cause of fracture may differ. For example, in addition to direct force or trauma to the tooth, a fracture can be due to teeth grinding or a failed filling. You may feel pain if the fracture is due to a crack into the dentin or nerve space of the tooth.

Enamel Erosion

Tooth pain can easily develop if the enamel has started to erode. The erosion may be occurring due to the teeth grinding or brushing too hard. The force of these actions can cause the enamel to deteriorate and leave the root exposed, which then causes pain.

Loose Filling or Crown

If you have a dental filling or crown in your mouth, it can, at times, become dislodged. This situation can produce tooth and gum pain. Some people may also experience temperature sensitivity, such as tooth pain with cold.

Food Debris

It is quite common to have a small food particle become stuck between the tooth. If it remains there, it can make the area painful.

Tooth Eruption

If you have a new tooth coming in (for example, the eruption of the wisdom tooth), it is common to feel pain in the adjacent teeth or the jaw and face. In some cases, people may also run a fever.

Other causes of pain can include an abscessed tooth (drainage from an infected tooth), teeth clenching or grinding, and teeth removal. These are all dental causes for toothaches. There are non-dental causes as well, such as sinus issues, cluster headaches, muscle pain, neurological reasons, a deficiency of vitamin B12, lung disease, and heart attack. If you have severe and persistent tooth and gum pain, it is highly recommended to visit your dentist.

Dental Services in Seattle

Sue Vetter offers a wide range of dental treatments, including treatment for tooth and gum pain. Learn more and book your appointment by calling or visiting us.

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