Oral diseases currently affect about 3.5 billion people worldwide. In fact, untreated tooth decay is one of the most common health conditions globally. About two billion people have cavities.
Tooth decay is only one of the dental problems you might experience if your teeth hurt, though. Here are nine common reasons you might begin experiencing tooth sensitivity. If these problems sound familiar, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.
Read on to discover the top dental problems that can cause your teeth to hurt today!
1. A Cavity
One of the top causes of tooth pain is tooth decay. A cavity is a small hole in your tooth that can grow bigger over time when left untreated. You can avoid developing cavities with routine dental appointments.
Symptoms of tooth decay include:
- Tooth sensitivity and pain
- Black or white staining on the teeth
- A visible hole in a tooth
You can develop a cavity if you leave plaque (a combination of acid, food particles, saliva, and bacteria) on your teeth. Make sure to brush and floss twice a day to remove plaque from your teeth.
Otherwise, your protective tooth enamel can weaken over time. When your enamel weakens, your risk of a cavity can increase.
Schedule routine appointments with your dentist. They can spot signs a cavity is forming or help you prevent cavities in the future.
2. Hot or Cold Temperatures
Exposing your teeth to extremely hot or cold temperatures could cause your protective tooth enamel to erode.
Your enamel exists on the surface of each tooth. It’s responsible for protecting your teeth from damage and decay. When your enamel becomes eroded, tissue containing nerve endings can become exposed.
You could develop tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures as a result.
3. An Abscess
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that can develop due to a bacterial infection. You could experience throbbing, intense pain as a result. You might notice gum swelling and pain if you have a gum abscess.
Don’t hesitate to visit your dentist if an abscess has developed. Otherwise, the infection could enter your bloodstream, leading to complications.
4. Gingivitis
Gingivitis, which usually occurs due to a bacterial infection, is an inflammation of your gums. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. When left untreated, it can progress into an infection called periodontitis.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
Food and plaque can get trapped in a sulcus; the space where your gums attach to your teeth. When you fail to brush food and plaque away, gingivitis can develop.
Plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria that can cling to the surface of your teeth before hardening into tartar.
Without treatment, gingivitis could cause your gums to separate from your teeth. Your teeth could become loose and unstable. You could also injure the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth, causing your teeth to hurt.
Your risk of gingivitis could increase due to:
- Certain medications (anticonvulsants, steroids, oral contraceptives, etc.)
- Crooked teeth
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Broken fillings
- Dental appliances that don’t fit properly
- Suppressed immunity
In addition to tooth sensitivity and pain when chewing, gingivitis can also cause your gums to bleed. Your gums might also appear red, tender, or swollen. Make sure to visit a dentist before your teeth loosen.
5. Sinusitis
Have you recently woken up with pain in your upper back teeth? You might have a sinus infection.
Your sinuses are located above your teeth. When a sinus infection develops, fluid can build while you sleep. You might experience pain and pressure around your upper molar and premolar as a result.
If you develop sinusitis, you might also experience:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Fevers
- A stuffy or runny nose
- Coughing
You could struggle to smell well, too.
6. TMJ Disorder
Your temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull on each side of the face. You could experience pain in the face, neck, teeth, or a joint if the area is inflamed.
You might develop temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder if you have arthritis or bruxism. Symptoms can include:
- Jaw pain when eating or speaking
- Face pain
- Ear pain
- Toothaches
- Headaches
- Ear pain
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Tightening or locking of the jaw
If these symptoms sound familiar, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
7. Enamel Erosion
You could unintentionally erode your enamel if you brush too hard or consume acidic foods often. You can’t restore your enamel once it’s lost.
Enamel erosion could cause a sharp pain when you bite down or chew.
8. Bruxism
You could begin grinding your teeth, causing your teeth to hurt. If you’re clenching your jaw as you sleep, you could wake up with tooth pain.
Bruxism can also cause headaches, jaw pain, earaches, and tooth damage, leading to other dental problems. If you wake up with pain, consider visiting your dentist. They can determine if you’re grinding your teeth.
Otherwise, bruxism can cause your protective tooth enamel to wear down. Remember, lost enamel could leave your teeth at risk for tooth decay.
Common causes of bruxism include misalignments, stress, and sleep-related disorders like sleep apnea. Genetics might play a role as well.
9. Crowding or an Impacted Tooth
Crowded teeth can cause pain as well. You might notice your teeth look crowded or have started to overlap. It’s common to experience tooth pain when your wisdom teeth come in, too.
Your dentist can treat crowding with a retainer or fixed brace.
A tooth can become impacted if it can’t erupt through your gum line. This often occurs when there isn’t enough room in your mouth. Both genetics and crowding can play a role.
If you have an impacted tooth, you could experience a dull, aching pain. The pain might seem sharp and intense instead. Otherwise, you might notice your gums are swollen and red.
Your maxillary canines and molars are most likely to become impacted.
My Teeth Hurt: Visit a Dentist for These Dental Problems Today
Do your teeth hurt? If these dental problems sound familiar, don’t hesitate to visit your local dentist. They can help you prevent cavities, avoid gum disease, and dodge other dental problems.
With routine appointments, you can maintain a happy, healthy smile!
Plan your next visit with our team! We can’t wait to see you.
Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.
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