Four Reasons You May Be Experiencing Tooth Pain

woman holds her jaw in pain from a toothache

Few things can put a damper on your day quite like tooth pain. Whether it’s a dull throbbing sensation or more of a sharp stabbing feeling, tooth pain can make it difficult to eat, speak, or concentrate on what you’re doing. Here are four reasons you may be experiencing tooth pain.


1. A Cavity

One of the most common reasons your tooth might be hurting is that you have a cavity. When bacteria and plaque buildup on the surface of your teeth, acid can begin to eat away at your enamel and produce small holes that expose your sensitive inner tooth. Although the resulting pain can be extremely uncomfortable, the good news is that a trip to the dentist for a filling can have you back on your feet quickly.


2. A Cracked Tooth

Are you only feeling discomfort when you bite down or consume hot or cold foods? It could be that you have a small crack in one of your teeth, causing intermittent pain. Cracks can be caused by a number of reasons, ranging from oral trauma to regular wear and tear. If you suspect that you have a cracked tooth, schedule an appointment ASAP. Early treatment can not only alleviate your pain but also preserve your tooth’s functionality.


3. Receding Gums

When your gums begin to recede, it leaves your teeth’s roots open to outside stimuli that can lead to pain and sensitivity. Receding gums can occur due to factors like gum disease, overly aggressive brushing, or even genetics. No matter the cause, we can recommend ways to avoid further recession and provide solutions to relieve your current discomfort.


4. Sensitive Teeth

Maybe the discomfort you’re feeling is more of a general tooth sensitivity issue than an isolated sharp pain. This could be caused by enamel erosion, where the protective outer layer of your teeth has been worn down over time. It’s also extremely common to feel tooth sensitivity after a whitening treatment. If you can’t drink a hot cup of coffee or enjoy some cold ice cream without wincing, come in for a visit so we can determine the cause and best course of action to protect your teeth.


Quality Dental Care in Tyler, Texas

Tooth pain is a real bother, and it’s important not to ignore it. At Ashley Laird, DDS, we offer comprehensive dental care to keep your smile in the best shape possible. When tooth pain starts to ruin your day, give us a call so we can turn things around for you. Our team will be happy to help. Schedule an appointment today!


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