Getting rid of tooth pain as soon as possible is always a good idea. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong, and you don’t have to face it on your own. If your teeth hurt, it’s best to see your dentist.
Dentists can check your teeth carefully and figure out what’s causing the pain. Bella Smiles, a dental practice in Riverhead, NY, is here to help. While you wait for your appointment, here are some common reasons for tooth pain.
Grinding your teeth, also called bruxism, or clenching your jaw can wear down your teeth over time. You may not even know you’re doing it, but if you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or teeth that seem worn down, these are signs. Grinding usually happens at night, while clenching can occur during stressful times during the day. Over time, this can lead to cracked or chipped teeth, jaw pain, and even TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems.
To help with this, your dentist might suggest wearing a custom mouthguard while you sleep to protect your teeth. Stress relief methods and jaw exercises may also help. If TMJ is the issue, treatments can include therapy, medications, or Botox injections to relax the muscles around the jaw.
Cavities happen when plaque builds up on your teeth, letting bacteria eat away at the enamel and create holes. This can cause sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary foods, and in later stages, cause ongoing tooth pain. Cavities can also weaken the structure of the tooth, leading to infection if left untreated.
To treat a cavity, your dentist will clean out the decay and fill it with a tooth-colored material if it’s caught early. If the cavity is deeper, a crown might be needed to protect the tooth. Keeping up with regular checkups and good brushing habits can help prevent cavities.
When a filling falls out or gets damaged, it leaves the treated part of the tooth exposed. This can cause pain, sensitivity, and trouble when biting down. If left untreated, food particles can get stuck in the area, leading to more decay or infection.
If this happens, visit your dentist as soon as possible. They’ll check to see if the filling can be replaced or if a crown or root canal is needed if decay has spread deeper into the tooth.
As your wisdom teeth begin to come in, they can cause a lot of pain, especially if they’re impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to swelling, jaw stiffness, and even infection as they try to push through the gums. They might also cause crowding or damage to other teeth nearby.
Your dentist will take X-rays to see if your wisdom teeth are coming in properly. If they’re not, they might suggest having them removed. If needed, an oral surgeon can extract them, which should ease the pain and prevent problems like infections or teeth getting out of alignment.
An abscess happens when an infection forms at the root of a tooth, leading to strong, throbbing pain that can spread to your jaw and face. This infection often comes from untreated cavities, gum disease, or a cracked tooth that lets bacteria get into the root. You may also notice swelling, pus, or a bad taste in your mouth.
It’s important to get treatment right away to stop the infection from spreading. Your dentist might need to drain the abscess, give you antibiotics, and perform a root canal to save the tooth. In more serious cases, the tooth may have to be pulled if it can’t be saved.
Accidents, sports, or falls can lead to a variety of dental problems, like cracked, chipped, or even knocked-out teeth. A tooth that looks bruised or discolored could mean that the nerve has been damaged. If a tooth gets knocked out, quick action is needed for the best chance of saving it.
If you hurt your teeth, contact your dentist right away. Depending on the injury, treatments could include bonding or veneers for chipped teeth, root canals for damaged nerves, or implants if the tooth is lost. For smaller injuries, your dentist might just smooth the rough edges and keep an eye on it.
Braces and other orthodontic tools help straighten your teeth, but getting them adjusted can lead to temporary pain. This happens because braces put pressure on your teeth, moving them into new positions. After an adjustment, your teeth may feel sore for a few days.
You can manage this pain with over-the-counter pain meds like ibuprofen. If the braces or wires are irritating your mouth, putting orthodontic wax on the sharp spots can prevent cuts or sores inside your mouth.
It’s common to have some tooth sensitivity after professional whitening treatments. This happens because the whitening products can temporarily weaken your enamel, making your teeth sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods. The pain usually goes away in a day or two, but if it lasts longer, you should call your dentist.
To reduce sensitivity, your dentist may suggest a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth or limit the number of whitening treatments. In-office treatments are often better than store-bought products because they protect your enamel and give longer-lasting results.
If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods, it may be due to worn enamel exposing the dentin underneath. This can happen from brushing too hard, gum recession, or cracks in your teeth. When the dentin is exposed, you may feel a sharp pain when eating or drinking something hot or cold.
Your dentist might suggest using toothpaste for sensitive teeth, fluoride treatments, or even applying a bonding material to cover the exposed areas. In more serious cases, a root canal could be needed if the nerve is involved. Brushing gently with a soft toothbrush and practicing good oral care can help protect your enamel and prevent more sensitivity.
No matter the cause, tooth pain can be tough to deal with. If you’re asking yourself, “Why do my teeth hurt?” it’s time to schedule an appointment with a dentist. Most dentists offer emergency appointments, especially if you’re in pain. They will find out what’s causing the pain and help you feel better quickly.
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