What Could Cause Your Teeth to Hurt?

If you suddenly develop a toothache or a flash of pain in your gums, you are not alone. The two most likely explanations are that you may have developed tooth sensitivity or that one of your teeth is cracked or infected. It’s good to know that most causes of tooth discomfort are easily treatable by your family dentist in Buffalo MN.

This list describes reasons why your teeth might be hurting you, and when to go see a dentist.

Excessive exposure to either extreme heat or cold

You may feel sudden, sharp pain when you eat or drink something that is extremely cold or hot. Tooth sensitivity is caused by worn enamel or exposed nerves.

Gum recession

Gums protect the nerve endings of your teeth by covering the root of the tooth with pink tissue. As you age, gum tissue loosens, leading to gum recession. You become more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth infections due to gum recession. If you notice that your teeth are suddenly more sensitive, gum recession might be the reason.

Enamel (dentin) erosion

Almost a quarter of people are suffering from a “dentin hypersensitivity” that can cause discomfort when eating. The more acidic your diet, the more sensitive your teeth become, and how you brush them too hard can all contribute to this condition. As a result, the enamel coating your teeth wears away and is not replaced. This can result in sharp, stabbing pain, which can send shivers up your spine when you bite into certain foods.

Tooth decay (cavity)

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, may be the reason why you are experiencing discomfort with your teeth. Cavities can linger undetected for some time on your tooth enamel. As the decay progresses toward infection, you may develop pain in your tooth.

Gum infection

More than 47 percent of adults over the age of 30 have gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Early-stage gingivitis is a sign of escalating gum disease. Some people don’t even realize they have it when their gums become sensitive.

Cracked tooth or crown

Although cracked teeth and crowns are not uncommon, there are instances where a tooth crack is so slight that it causes tooth pain that is nearly impossible to notice.

Sinus infection

When your sinuses become inflamed and filled with pressure from the infection, they can compress the nerve endings of your teeth.

Grinding or clenching jaws

Wearing away the enamel on your teeth when you grind your teeth and clench your jaws can lead to chronic tooth sensitivity.

Dental procedures

The nerve endings in your teeth can temporarily become more sensitive after recent fillings or drilling procedures. This tingling may last several weeks after a filling.

Teeth bleaching products

When whitening your teeth with strips, gels, or an in-office procedure, you run the risk of increasing tooth sensitivity. The pain you experience after teeth bleaching is usually temporary and usually subsides after you stop bleaching.

When to see a doctor

If you recently noticed your teeth becoming sensitive, make an appointment with Dental Care Associates of Buffalo. They may be able to suggest a simple treatment, such as a toothpaste that reduces sensitivity. Your dentist can also advise you on corrective procedures, such as extractions or fillings, to relieve your pain.

There are some symptoms that should never be ignored.

• toothache that lasts for more than 48 hours
• throbbing or sharp, aching pain that doesn’t subside
• migraine or thunderclap headache that extends to your teeth
• fever that seems to coincide with your toothache

Your teeth can be painful suddenly for several reasons. The most common of which are natural tooth erosion or deterioration of the enamel. You should schedule an appointment with Dental Care Associates of Buffalo  if your teeth seem to have become hypersensitive over night.