Tooth Pain : Causes & Symptoms

A tooth pain is no fun at all and can even be scary when you don’t know what is causing it. A toothache is described as any pain, soreness, or ache in or around a tooth. The tooth may be sensitive to temperature, painful when chewing or biting, sensitive to sweets, or it may even have a sharp pain or dull ache.

Tooth Pain Causes

Dental Causes of Tooth Pain

Tooth Damage: Damage to the tooth is a common cause of tooth pain. For example, teeth that are chipped or broken due to trauma can cause tooth pain. Similarly, a broken or damaged filling, crown, or dental implant can contribute to tooth pain.

Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of tooth pain, and it has several degrees of severity. Cavities are holes in the teeth that penetrate the tooth enamel and underlying dentin and which can lead to tooth pain. Abscess, which is an infection of the nerve and pulp inside the tooth, is a more severe form of tooth pain.

Non-Dental Causes of Tooth Pain

Some causes of tooth pain are not directly related to your teeth. If you rule out more obvious sources of tooth pain, your pain could be associated with any of the following conditions:

Sinus Pain Infection: Sinus infections can cause pain in teeth when the pressure of fluid-filled sinuses creates pain in the upper back corners of your mouth. If you regularly suffer from sinus infections, you may notice pain in teeth located near the sinus cavities. To manage pain in teeth associated with sinus pain, ask your doctor for advice about decongestants or other medications to relieve sinus pressure.

Cluster Headache: The exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but pressure from a cluster headache has been associated with tooth pain.

Tooth Pain Symptoms

Practicing good oral hygiene can prevent many types of dental pain. But when oral health problems occur, knowing some of the causes and categories of dental pain can help you talk to your dentist about treatment options, as well as strategies for preventing future dental pain. Signs of dental pain include throbbing, sharp, or aching sensations in the teeth that can be either chronic or transient. Some types of dental pain occur only while chewing. Other symptoms associated with dental pain include red or swollen gums, headaches, or drainage from an infection in the teeth or gums.