Tooth pain is a common complaint for people of all ages, in part because a lot of factors can cause discomfort in your teeth and the structures that support them. Regardless of the underlying cause, though, tooth pain is never normal and seeking treatment right away helps prevent complications.
The team at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC is skilled in diagnosing and treating toothaches of all types, using advanced techniques focused on relieving pain and improving your overall oral health. In this post, they review eight factors that could be contributing to your nagging tooth pain.
Tooth decay is a common cause of tooth pain for people of all ages. Cavities happen when acids erode the tooth’s tough layer of enamel, allowing bacteria to “invade” the tooth. As bacteria multiply, they produce additional acids, irritating tooth nerves and causing considerable pain.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States. Like decay, gum disease is also associated with bacteria. As germs multiply, they irritate gum tissue and cause it to move away from your tooth surfaces. This allows bacteria to slowly migrate to lower parts of your teeth, eventually causing swelling, gum bleeding, and pain.
An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms as a result of an infection. Dental abscesses can cause considerable pain, especially when you bite or chew. Without prompt treatment, bacteria inside the abscess can spread to other teeth or to other parts of your body via your bloodstream. Emergency treatment is critical for preventing serious complications.
Impacted teeth are teeth that get “stuck” under neighboring teeth, preventing them from erupting from the gum. These teeth press on other teeth and cause a lot of inflammation, irritation, and pain. Without treatment, they can also lead to serious infections.
Cracked teeth expose the inner part of your tooth to bacteria that cause infection. They also expose nerves that increase tooth sensitivity. Fractures range in size from almost invisible cracks to large breaks, and even the tiniest fracture can cause pain. Some fractures happen from traumatic injuries, while others are caused by simple wear-and-tear.
Root canal therapy helps save a tooth that’s badly damaged by deep infection or trauma. Although it’s uncommon, sometimes an infection occurs after a root canal treatment, often because of unusual tooth anatomy. When that happens, an infection inside the tooth or near the tooth root can cause pain, especially when you chew or bite.
Up to a third of people grind their teeth either during the day or at night while they’re sleeping. While grinding might seem harmless, the continual pressure against tooth surfaces can quickly damage enamel, exposing your teeth to infection, tooth sensitivity, and pain. Grinding also increases the risk of gum recession.
Sometimes, tooth pain isn’t related to your teeth at all. Located close to your upper teeth, sinuses can also cause tooth pain, especially if you have a sinus infection. Even stuffy sinuses from a cold or allergy can cause tooth pain.
The cause of tooth pain may vary, but all types of tooth pain have one thing in common: They’re a sign of an underlying problem that needs prompt attention. To find out what’s causing your tooth pain and how we can help prevent more serious problems, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at our New York City office today.
