Are you suffering from sudden tooth pain? You’re likely not alone! Tooth pain is a fairly common problem. It is estimated that 22 percent of adults have had tooth pain within the past six months. Finding the cause is the key to treating sudden tooth pain.

Below, we’ll discuss a list of common causes of sudden tooth pain.

Extreme Hot or Cold

If you eat or drink something hot or cold, then you may have sudden tooth pain. You are more likely to have pain if you have exposed nerves or worn-out tooth enamel. Those things can make your tooth very sensitive.

Gum Recession

Your gums are supposed to protect your teeth; however, your gums can recede as you get older. When your gums recede, they can expose your tooth roots. This can put you at risk of developing a tooth infection or gum disease.

Tooth Decay

One of the main causes of sudden tooth pain is tooth decay. You can have a cavity and not know it! However, a cavity will get bigger as long as it is not treated. You will start to develop pain if you have a big cavity.

Gum Disease

Half of the adult population suffers from gum disease, which is also referred to as a periodontal disease. You may not notice any signs of gum disease if you are in the early stages. However, as gum disease progresses, your teeth will become more sensitive. That is why you may develop pain.

It is important to note that gum disease is serious, and it needs to be treated as soon as possible. This condition will destroy your gum tissue and bones. It can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Sinus Infection

Your tooth pain may not even be tooth-related! Did you know that a sinus infection can cause tooth pain and jaw pain? A sinus infection will cause inflammation in your sinus cavity. You may feel the pressure from your sinus cavity in your teeth.

Dental Procedures

If you have recently had dental work, then you may have lingering pain. Dental work can also make your teeth more sensitive.

Tooth Grinding

If you grind your teeth, then you can eventually wear them down. Stress and poor sleep are some of the things that can cause tooth grinding. You may also grind your teeth in your sleep without realizing it.

Get Help for Your Tooth Pain

Sudden tooth pain is not something that you should ever ignore. Please contact the team at Mountain View Dental if you have tooth pain. We can answer the questions that you have and get you scheduled for a consultation!

If you suddenly feel a temporary shock-like pain or twinges in your teeth from time to time, it’s best to investigate. There are many reasons for tooth pain, and some of them are quite easy to overlook. The AAE (American Academy of Endodontists) defines tooth sensitivity or pain as a brief sensation brought on by a stimulus like cold or heat, which affects exposed dentin- the layer beneath the white enamel of your teeth. 

Note that dentin has a protective cover that acts as a buffer for the nerves in your teeth. Meaning you’ll feel pain every time there’s stimulation if this buffer becomes damaged. With that in mind, here are some of the most unexpected causes of toothaches.

You Grind or Clench Your Teeth

Medically known as bruxism, clenching, gnashing, or grinding your teeth is a condition that occurs unconsciously either at night (sleep bruxism) or during the day (awake bruxism). Many endodontists consider sleep bruxism a sleep-related movement disorder. 

While mild bruxism may not need any treatment, it’s best to see a dentist for frequent and severe bruxism as it may cause headaches, jaw disorders, damaged teeth, etc. Now, get this, one of the most common symptoms of bruxism is tooth sensitivity or pain. 

You Brush Your Teeth With Too Much Pressure

Without a doubt, brushing your teeth too hard causes tooth sensitivity by wearing down the enamel to expose dentin. Also, brushing for too long or with a hard-bristle brush will cause tooth pain, especially if you have thin enamel. If you suspect that how you brush is the problem, try going for a softer brush and brushing teeth for no longer than two minutes. 

Abuse of Mouthwash

Yes, you read that right. Some mouthwash products contain acids that can extensively damage dentin. Mind you, with exposed dentin, any acid, cold, heat, or even sticky substance that gets into your teeth will cause pain. So avoid using over-the-counter alcoholic mouthwashes for too long. Instead, consider going for neutral fluoride mouthwashes. 

You Have Sinusitis

Sinus inflammation (sinusitis) or sinus infection can lead to tooth pain. If anything, this is one of the biggest, yet the most unheard-of, reasons for tooth pain. The pain from sinusitis mostly affects the upper rear teeth and occurs when fluid enters and puts pressure on your sinuses. If you feel your teeth hurting more when you lean over (with your head down), it’s probably a sinus infection. 

You Open Different Things With Your Teeth

There are so many ways you can use your teeth as tools. Opening a can of soda, ripping bags open, chewing on plastic, you name it. Even so, studies show that using teeth for such purposes eventually cracks your tooth enamel. It might be the reason that you’re feeling a sudden but temporary sharp pain. 

Final Thoughts

While cavities are arguably the most popular reason for mouth aches, there are loads of other causes that may make your teeth painful. So be sure to consult your dentist if you’re not sure about the source of your pain. Over-the-counter medicines treat only the symptoms and not the underlying issue.

If you are located near the Pleasant View, UT area and are experiencing tooth pain, give us a call at Mountain View Dental. We have an experienced, friendly staff and a modern, comfortable office awaiting you. Schedule your appointment today.