What is Causing Your Tooth Pain?

Few things are worse than persistent tooth pain. A toothache can not only be uncomfortable but also highly disruptive to your daily routine. Whether it is throbbing or sharp, tooth pain can make it difficult for you to eat, sleep or even concentrate. Dental discomfort is common, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. If you tooth is hurting, it is trying to tell you something is wrong. A dentist can diagnose your tooth pain and recommend the fastest and most effective solution for relief.

There are a variety of reasons for tooth pain, including the following:

Cavities
If you are experiencing tooth pain due to decay or a cavity, the damage to your tooth enamel has already been done. In such cases, a dental filling will be needed to repair the hole in your tooth and relieve your discomfort. If the cavity is large, a more extensive restoration may be warranted.

Infection
Just like other parts of your body, your mouth is susceptible to infection – especially if your oral hygiene efforts are poor. Infections can occur within the tooth or the gums and they typically do not go away on their own. It is possible that a dental abscess forms in the gums or at the end of the tooth, which creates a painful pocket of pus that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent spreading infection. Radiating pain and pressure in your jaw are indications that you may have a dental abscess.

Enamel Erosion
Does your tooth pain occur when you consume foods or drinks that are hot or cold? This is known as tooth sensitivity and can be a result of thin or eroded dental enamel. The enamel is the outer layer of your tooth, when this layer is compromised, the nerves of your tooth is more exposed. A dentist can evaluate your enamel erosion and suggest a remedy for reducing your sensitivity.

Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is another common reason for tooth pain. If you grind your teeth during your sleep, you may be confused as to why your teeth hurt during the day. Not only can teeth grinding wear away your enamel, but it can also cause the teeth to break or chip. A custom nightguard can help you avoid this type of tooth pain.

Fractured Teeth
Whether it is a break, chip or hairline crack, when the structure of a tooth gets damaged, pain can follow. Tooth fractures can occur from a bad fall or simply biting down on something too hard. In either case, see your dentist about the repairing your tooth damage and relieving your discomfort.

At Gilreath Family Dentistry, we want to know if you have tooth pain. Sudden or unbearable tooth pain is considered a dental emergency and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Call your trusted Marietta emergency dentist today.