Tooth pain is something most people experience at least once in their lives. It has several different causes, so avoiding it entirely might be a difficult feat! The type of discomfort you feel depends on the culprit. But can you tell the underlying issue based on how it manifests? Here are the three most common tooth pain types and what they can mean.
Temperature Sensitivity
If you have sensitivity, then your smile may hurt when it touches anything hot or cold. Breathing in may be enough to trigger it, but it often happens when the outer layer of your teeth weakens.
Your enamel protects the dentin underneath, which has channels that go down to the nerve. This can happen from acidic foods, so the more you have them, the worse it can be. The bacteria in your mouth are another cause, as they produce an acid that erodes your grin when they eat sugar particles left over from your meals. This can turn into a cavity when left untreated.
Dull Aching
If you wake up and feel a dull ache, teeth grinding or clenching might be the reason. This subconscious habit is also called bruxism, but it wears down your smile faster than normal from the excessive pressure. Gum recession is also possible, so it’s important you get a nightguard to avoid trouble.
For some people, it might be stray pieces of food that are stuck. It can be uncomfortable, but you can try to remove it by brushing and flossing. If you struggle to, then your dentist can help.
Sudden Pain
Sharp, lingering pain can occur from an infection or dental abscess. Both situations require an urgent dental visit, but your provider is here to help. When left to their own devices, these issues can worsen by spreading to nearby teeth and gums and cause tooth loss. By getting professional treatment, you can save your smile in the long run.
Do I Need to Visit My Dentist?
In the end, any type of tooth pain you feel can be enough reason to call your dentist. Looping them in can help you determine whether it’s something urgent or if it can wait until your next routine visit. Simply put, it’s better to be safe than sorry. That way, you can feel confident knowing your smile is in great shape.
About the Author
Dr. Blake Ma earned his dental degree from the University of Connecticut. He is dedicated to helping patients in Meriden with their dental emergencies by offering same-day urgent visits. Using advanced technology, he can get to the root of the issue to give you the effective solution you deserve. If you’re worried your tooth pain is something more, schedule an appointment or call his office at 203-237-4519.