Causes of Tooth Pain

In most cases, tooth pain is caused by a problem with your teeth or your jaw, and the pain can go from a nagging, annoying pain to so excruciating it’s debilitating. Whenever you have tooth pain, it’s always a good idea to be checked out by your dentist. Wondering what could be causing that pain? Here are a few of the most common causes of tooth pain.

Cause #1 – A Cavity

A cavity is a hole in your tooth that goes through the enamel and dentin, and it’s caused by tooth decay. Cavities are very common and often the source of tooth pain.

Cause #2– Abscess

Sometimes tooth decay can be so severe that it causes an infection of the pulp and nerve inside of your tooth. This is known as an abscess, and it can cause very severe tooth pain as well as swelling around the affected tooth.

Cause #3 – Damage to the Tooth

Damage to a tooth can result in pain. A trauma that results in a broken or fractured tooth may leave you hurting. Tooth trauma should always be treated as quickly as possible to prevent further dental problems.

Cause #4 – Loose Filling

If you have a sharp pain when you bite down on food, you could have a loose filling. A loose filling has the potential to cause a toothache and leave you uncomfortable, particularly when you’re eating.

Cause #5 – Gum Disease

While gum disease causes swelling and redness of the gums, this may result in both gum and tooth pain as well.

In some cases, non-dental problems can result in tooth pain as well, such as:

• Cluster headaches
• Sinus infections
• Diabetes
• Nerve diseases
• Certain viral infections
• Drug abuse

There’s a lot you can do to prevent dental pain — brushing, flossing, eating right, and keeping up with routine dental visits. However, tooth pain can happen to anyone. If you’re experiencing pain in a tooth, contact us today for an appointment.