Anyone who has ever experienced pain in their teeth would probably agree that the sooner it can be relieved, the better. Painful teeth are not normal and can be a warning of a serious problem that needs to be addressed. If your teeth hurt, it is always a good idea to quickly see your area dentist or, if you’re in the East Hanover, NJ area, a dentist at Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry. He or she can then do a thorough examination and answer the question that has been plaguing you: “Why do my teeth hurt?” It can be a number a reasons, but listed below are the most common:
Cavity Causing Tooth Pain
A cavity is simply a hole in your tooth enamel created by tooth decay due to bacteria living in plaque on your teeth. Cavities expose the nerves inside your teeth, creating a sensitivity that results in tooth pain. Cavities are easiest to treat when they are still small. At that point, the tooth can still be saved.
Damaged or Lost Filling
Sometimes a filling can fall out or be damaged, which will cause not only sensitivity but sometimes also issues with your bite, leading to discomfort. A visit to your dentist can determine what needs to be done to eliminate the pain.
Teeth Grinding/Clenching/TMJ
You may find yourself bearing down on your teeth during the day, or wake up with a sore jaw, which is a good indication you are clenching or grinding your teeth at night. Your dentist can offer solutions to help save your teeth from excess wear and tear, as well as painful headaches, toothaches and jaw pain.
Abscessed Tooth
A tooth abscess forms when there is an infection at the tooth’s roots. It is extremely painful and only a dentist visit can help so antibiotics can be administered and the tooth treated. Failure to address it can lead to a widespread infection.
Wisdom Teeth Coming In
When your wisdom teeth begin to grow in, they can cause a great deal of pain, swelling, and jaw stiffness. Your dentist can determine if the teeth are coming in properly or if they will need be removed.
Injury
Injury caused by such things as contact sports or simply an accident can cause any number of serious issues including a “bruised” or deep discoloring of the tooth, a broken tooth, or total loss of one or more teeth.
Temperature Sensitivity
When the underlying layer of tooth enamel, called the dentin, is exposed due to cracks in the outer layer of enamel or the recession of your gum tissues, your teeth may become sensitive to either hot or cold temperatures, or both.
Orthodontic Treatment
When your braces have just been adjusted, you are likely to experience some level of discomfort in your mouth. This is normal and using an over-the-counter pain medicine, or if the issue is caused by the hardware itself, a little ball of dental wax to dull the edges of the wires should help.
Teeth Whitening
Most people will feel some sensitivity after a professional teeth-whitening treatment, but the feeling should resolve within a day. Talk to your dentist if it is too painful or problematic.
Relieve Tooth Pain in East Hanover, NJ
Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry in East Hanover, NJ is dedicated to helping you maintain the health and appearance of your smile. No matter what the reason, we know tooth pain can be miserable, so stop asking, “Why do my teeth hurt?” and schedule an appointment online with your Metropolitan dentist today, or call our scheduling specialist on (973) 287-3153. Most dentists have specific appointments available for dental emergencies, especially when you are experiencing pain. A dentist will identify the underlying problem and help you find fast relief.