4 Causes of Tooth Pain and What to Do About It

Have you ever suffered from an aching tooth? Some people call it a toothache or having tooth pain; no matter what you call it, it can be debilitating! But how serious is tooth pain? What causes a tooth to hurt, and when should you go see your dentist at Bayside Kids Dental in Odenton, MD.

What is Causing My Tooth Pain? 

There is no one-size-fits-all reason for a toothache. However, there are common reasons your tooth may hurt. Let’s start with the most common reasons. 

Tooth Decay

If you have a cavity that has penetrated the hard surface of the tooth, leaving the tooth root exposed to pressure, heat, and cold. A quick trip to the dentist can remedy decay. Bayside Kids Dental can confirm the cavity, assess the size and depth, and let you know if you need a filling, crown, inlay, onlay, or if you need a root canal. 

Gum Disease 

Gum disease can occur when bacteria build up under the gumline, causing the tissue to become inflamed. The inflammation and trapped bacteria can cause tooth pain. If you notice blood in the sink when you brush or have swollen or red gums, you need to come see us. If you have gum disease, we will suggest a deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing. Gum disease can progress if not treated and eventually that tooth might fall out. Let us help relieve your pain and treat your gums. 

Cracked or Broken Teeth

If you experience oral trauma and crack or break a tooth, it can really hurt! Like deep decay, a crack in the tooth can expose the tooth pulp. This is where the nerves are located and why you may feel pain when you chew. If you have a cracked tooth, we will do our best to repair it. However, we cannot always save a cracked or broken tooth and may refer you to an endodontist for extraction. 

Infection or Abscess

An infection can happen because of a cavity gone too long, or untreated gum disease. It can also occur if you crack or break your tooth and don’t get help. Bacteria can enter the unprotected area of the tooth and cause painful damage. If left untreated, the tooth pulp can no longer repair itself, and you might have to consider extraction. If you notice swelling or severe pain in or around a tooth, you may have an infection. It is important to get to a dentist as soon as you can to get the infection treated. 

If you have a tooth that is causing discomfort, it’s worth your time to get it checked out. The sooner we address the issue the less invasive your treatment and the sooner you will be out of pain! Call Bayside Kids Dental to schedule an appointment today!