The sooner tooth pain is relieved, the better. Pain is the body’s signal to you that something is wrong, so don’t suffer in silence and just hope it goes away. There are several reasons why your mouth or teeth might hurt, but there are some that are more common than others. The team at Ridgetop Dental Group in Reston, VA wants you to know what might be causing your pain and how to help.
Cavity Causing Tooth Pain
Cavities are caused by bacteria that eat away at the hard outer layer of the teeth called enamel. Cavities expose the sensitive tissues inside the teeth, so when you have a cavity, it might be uncomfortable. Cavities are easiest to manage when they are small, which is why keeping up with your oral hygiene and regular dental visits are important. If you think you have a cavity, schedule an appointment with your dentist to make sure it doesn’t damage the tooth any further.
Teeth Grinding/Clenching/TMJ
Do you have to remind yourself to release tension in your jaw during the day, wake up with a sore jaw, or otherwise feel a lot of pressure in the jaw? You might be suffering from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which requires special attention from your dentist to avoid muscular problems.
Abscessed Tooth
A tooth abscess is a serious medical condition where an infection forms at a tooth’s roots. It is extremely painful, and only a dentist visit can resolve the situation as it may need to be drained and you’ll have to take antibiotics to clear the infection. Failure to treat an abscess can be life-threatening.
Wisdom Teeth Coming In
Everyone has heard horror stories about wisdom teeth coming in. If you’re experiencing pain in the rear of the mouth especially, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are coming in. They can begin to erupt as early as young adulthood or even later in life, so see your dentist if you have concerns to determine the best course of action.
Injury
Injury caused by such things as contact sports or an accident can cause any number of problems including a “bruised” or deep discoloring of the tooth, a broken tooth, or total loss of one or more teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Most people will feel some discomfort after a professional teeth-whitening treatment, but the pain should resolve within a day. Talk to your dentist if it is too painful or problematic.
Relieve Tooth Pain in Reston, VA
No matter what the reason, we know tooth pain can be miserable, so quit asking, “Why do my teeth hurt?” and schedule an appointment with a dentist today, or call our scheduling specialist. Most dentists have specific appointments available for dental emergencies, especially when you are experiencing pain. They will identify the underlying problem and help you find relief, fast.