Regardless of how well you have taken care of your teeth, you’ve likely experienced a toothache at some point in your life. Toothaches are more common than many people realize and, although a cavity is a likely culprit, it’s not always the cause of your tooth pain. Below are some other common causes of toothaches and what to do about them.
Sensitivity
If your tooth pain increases when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, sensitivity is a likely cause. While you might just have sensitive teeth, thinning enamel and receding gums are common causes that require attention from a dentist. Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and special toothpaste for sensitive teeth can also help.
Cracked Tooth
If your pain is more severe when you bite down hard, you might have a cracked tooth. Schedule an appointment for a dental examination immediately.
Abscessed Tooth
If your toothache is more of a throbbing, incessant pain, an abscessed tooth is a possibility. Abscesses are infections in and around the root of a tooth or an infection between the tooth and the gum – either way, an abscess needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Schedule an appointment for a dental examination immediately to determine the cause.
Sinus Infection
A less common, but no-less significant, cause of tooth and jaw pain is a sinus infection. If you are experiencing pain across your upper teeth on both sides of your face, a sinus infection could be the cause. If you have had nasal congestion and/or tenderness around your sinuses and are now experiencing this type of pain, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Don’t Just Sit There, See Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon
Whether your tooth pain is being caused by a cavity or one of the other possibilities above, it’s important that you see your dentist or oral surgeon to determine the cause and address the problem. Many people wait until the pain is unbearable, which typically means that the issue is much worse. If you’re experiencing pain in your teeth, gums, or jaw, contact us today to set up an appointment.