Common Causes of Dental Discomfort & Tooth Pain

Dental discomfort and tooth pain can be a deeply uncomfortable, and even distressing experience for many - disrupting your daily life as well as eating and drinking. Whilst other aches and pains can be solved through rest or the use of medication, tooth pain cannot be ignored, and visiting the dentist as soon as you notice any discomfort is often essential. 

Understanding the underlying causes of tooth pain is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. In this blog post, we'll delve into some of the most common reasons why your teeth might be hurting - including key causes such as gum disease, tooth decay and more.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth pain,  occurring when plaque builds up along the gumline and hardens into tartar. This leads to inflammation and infection of the gums, which can cause them to recede from the teeth, exposing the sensitive tooth roots. Gum disease-related tooth pain also has a number of physical symptoms, including bleeding from the gums, tooth sensitivity, and more. It is essential to have regular dental visits to ensure that any early signs of gum diseases are identified, and you can remedy the situation.

Receding Gums and Exposure of Roots

While gum recession itself doesn’t necessarily lead to tooth pain, if your roots are exposed then it can result in an extreme amount of sensitivity that can make eating and drinking painful for many patients, where food or drink comes into contact with the exposed root. The cause of gum recession can vary, and includes abrasive brushing, trauma to the area, grinding of teeth, and potential periodontal disease. Regular dental visits can help to prevent gum recession resulting in tooth pain, as well as ensuring that your regular dental hygiene routine is not having a negative impact on your teeth.

Tooth Decay/Cavity

Dental cavities, also known as tooth decay, are perhaps the most prevalent cause of tooth pain. Cavities develop when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the enamel, creating small holes in the tooth. Initially, cavities may not cause pain, but as they progress and reach the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, such as the dentin and pulp, pain can ensue. The pain from cavities is often described as a persistent, throbbing ache that may worsen with exposure to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages.

Particularly large cavities can also form, making it likely that food can get stuck and lead to significant discomfort. If tooth decay reaches an advanced stage, then the pulp within the tooth will likely become irritated and any form of chewing can result in significant pain each time. If you believe that you have a cavity or tooth decay, then it is essential to contact your dentist as soon as possible and prevent any worsening of the situation.

Cracked Tooth

This issue is one of the most difficult to identify, as there are often no major symptoms apart from some pain when biting down. If you believe that you do have a cracked tooth, then try and get a dental visit booked immediately. The dentist will be the only individual who can conclusively identify if you have a tooth crack, and they will be able to pinpoint the specific cracked tooth in the mouth. This will likely involve dental x-rays, use bite tests and special diagnosis. Again, early diagnosis and treatment is the key as cracks usually get worse with time making teeth unsavable if left too late.  

Fractured or cracked teeth can cause significant discomfort, especially when the fracture extends into the sensitive inner layers of the tooth. Tooth fractures can result from various factors, such as trauma from accidents or sports injuries, biting down on hard objects, or weakening of the tooth structure due to large fillings or previous dental procedures. Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, the pain may range from mild to intense and may worsen with biting or chewing.

Dental Abscess

Another common cause of tooth pain and discomfort are dental abscesses - forming around the tip of the root, usually as a result of bacterial infection that puts pressure on the tooth that has developed through complications due to untreated dental decay or trauma to the tooth. The issues caused by an abscess can vary greatly, even with varying levels of discomfort on different days - however, it is always best to seek treatment as quickly as possible as the only possible way to fully deal with the issue is through a root canal or extraction.

In Conclusion

Tooth pain is a common problem that can stem from various underlying issues, ranging from dental decay and gum disease to fractures and sensitivity. While occasional mild tooth discomfort may resolve on its own or with home remedies, persistent or severe pain warrants prompt evaluation by a dentist to identify and address the root cause. Practising good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, is key to preventing many common causes of tooth pain and maintaining optimal oral health.