Many Australians experience tooth pain at some point in their lives. A 2004-2006 survey suggests that around 15% of people experienced tooth pain in the previous 12 months, leaving many people wondering, why does my tooth hurt? While some tooth pain may be mild and temporary, it often indicates a more serious underlying issue that requires treatment.
There are many possible causes of tooth pain, including cavities, dental infections, gum disease, and teeth grinding. Some cases of tooth pain can be remedied at home with lifestyle changes and an improved oral hygiene routine, but more serious issues may require an emergency dentist appointment.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it’s critical to visit a dentist as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and begin treatment.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt: Tooth Decay
Tooth decay can lead to cavities, which are small holes in the teeth. Cavities are often painful because they expose the tooth’s sensitive inner dentin layer to hot, cold, and acidic substances that can trigger the nerves in the pulp chamber below.
Early diagnosis and treatment of tooth decay are essential to avoid complications like a dental abscess, pulp infection, or tooth loss.
Cavities are typically treated using tooth-coloured composite dental fillings.
If the cavity is large or deep, you may need a dental crown to support the remaining tooth structure.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt: Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel on your teeth starts to wear away because of tooth decay, exposing the dentin. Dentin is a softer, more sensitive layer of the tooth full of tiny nerves. When this layer is exposed, you may experience pain or discomfort when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sugary substances.
Treatment for tooth sensitivity often involves using desensitising toothpaste or fluoride gel.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt: Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a type of dental emergency in which a pocket of pus forms inside or at the base of the tooth. It occurs when bacteria enter the tooth and start to multiply after tooth decay. An abscess can cause severe tooth pain, fever, swelling, and drainage from the affected tooth.
When left untreated, an abscess can spread to other parts of the mouth and body and may even be fatal. Treatment for a dental abscess includes surgically draining the pus, cleaning out the infected area, and taking a course of antibiotics. You may also need a root canal to prevent reinfection or repair decay.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt: Dental Injury
Dental injuries are a dental emergency requiring immediate treatment. These can include cracks, fractures, and avulsions and often occur due to trauma, such as a fall, blow to the mouth or tooth decay. Dental injuries can be excruciating and may also cause swelling, bleeding, and bruising.
For some, the affected tooth may become loose or fall out entirely. Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the injury, but may involve splinting, bonding, or extracting the tooth.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt: Pulp Infection
The pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and other tissue. A pulp infection is a dental emergency that occurs when bacteria enter the pulp chamber. This can cause severe tooth pain, swelling, redness, and gum tenderness.
An emergency dentist appointment may require a root canal to treat it. This involves removing the infected pulp and disinfecting the inside of the tooth. The tooth is then sealed with gutta-percha and a filling or crown.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt: Sinus Infection
Sinus infections occur when the sinuses, which are located behind the cheeks and forehead, become inflamed. This can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection and allergies. Sinus infections often cause tooth pain in the upper teeth and a feeling of pressure on the face.
Other symptoms may include fever, congestion, and runny nose. Treatment for a sinus infection involves taking antibiotics or using a nasal spray.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt: Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition in which you grind or clench your teeth. It often occurs during sleep but can also happen during the day. Bruxism can cause pain in the jaw, headaches, earache, tooth decay, and tooth sensitivity.
It can also cause the teeth to wear down or break. Treatment for bruxism often involves wearing a mouthguard at night.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt: Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by a hard yellow calculus (tartar) that develops as the gumline when plaque is not regularly removed with brushing and flossing. Tartar irritates the gums, causing inflammation.
Left untreated, this can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, leaving deep periodontal pockets vulnerable to bacterial infection. This can also expose the roots of the teeth to decay.
Gum disease requires periodontal therapy such as scaling and root planing to remove the hardened tartar. You may also need to use an antibacterial mouthwash or take antibiotics. You may need flap surgery or a gum graft for severe periodontal disease.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt: TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint connecting the jaw to the skull. TMJ disorder can cause several problems, including pain, clicking and popping of the jaw, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
In severe cases, it can also lead to lockjaw. Treatment consists of wearing a mouthguard, taking pain relievers, and doing jaw exercises. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary.
Visit an Emergency Dentist at No Gaps Dental
At No Gaps Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can happen anytime. That’s why we offer emergency dental care for our patients. We know that when you’re in pain, you must see a dentist immediately. We provide various emergency dental services, including fillings and root canals.
We also offer same-day appointments to get the care you need as quickly as possible. We have an emergency dentist on-call at our 15 practice locations across Sydney. If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in the area, use our convenient online scheduling tool or call us on (02) 8007 6727.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Australia’s Dental Generations: The National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004–06
https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/6a66dc9c-a17b-4a45-904a-7748660133d6/adgnsaoh04-06.pdf.aspx?inline=true
What causes TMJ Pain? Symptoms, Treatments, Exercises, and More
https://askthedentist.com/tmd-treatment/