What Could Be Causing Your Toothache?

Toothaches can range from a mild annoyance to sharp, persistent pain that disrupts your daily routine. At Caring Smiles Family Dentistry, we believe that understanding the source of your discomfort is the first step toward finding lasting relief. Here are six common causes of tooth pain that may be affecting you:

1. Gum Disease
Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is a major cause of oral discomfort. When plaque builds up along the gumline, it can lead to inflammation and infection. This causes your gums to become swollen and tender, and may also result in tooth sensitivity or pain.

2. Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth often emerge in the late teens or early twenties. If they come in improperly or become impacted, they can create pressure, swelling, or discomfort in the back of the mouth. Impacted wisdom teeth may also lead to infection or crowding of nearby teeth.

3. Tooth Decay
Cavities occur when bacteria break down the enamel of the tooth, exposing the sensitive inner layers. This can lead to pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods. If left untreated, the decay can reach the nerve of the tooth, causing more severe pain.

4. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially during sleep, can wear down enamel and lead to soreness in your teeth, jaw, and surrounding muscles. If you often wake up with jaw pain or tension headaches, teeth grinding may be the underlying issue.

5. Abscess
A dental abscess is an infection at the root of a tooth or in the surrounding gums. It can cause swelling, throbbing pain, and even fever. Dental abscesses are serious and require prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

6. Cracked or Chipped Tooth
A cracked or broken tooth can expose the inner layers of the tooth, leading to sharp pain, especially when chewing or biting down. Even if the crack is not visible, it can still cause significant discomfort and should be evaluated by a dentist.

Take the First Step Toward Relief
Tooth pain is your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right. Ignoring it may lead to more serious issues down the line. If you are experiencing a toothache, schedule an appointment with our team at Caring Smiles Family Dentistry. We’re here to help you find answers, relieve your pain, and protect your long-term oral health.

If you are currently experiencing pain or discomfort with a particular tooth, please give us a call at 248-973-8788 to schedule an appointment. We are happy to help you with improving your oral health.