Tooth pain of any kind can be alarming. With this type of discomfort in the mouth, it is challenging to focus on anything else. Whether you woke up to a throbbing tooth, chomped down on a popcorn kernel, or got hit in the face while playing basketball, the aftermath is unbearable. If you are experiencing a toothache, this isn’t something you should try to ignore. Here are 5 different types of tooth pain and what they might mean.
Sharp Pain
If you have sharp pain that is increasing in severity, this could mean that you have a cavity. This is especially so if you feel additional pain when you bite down on something. This is something that you need to have examined by your dentist. When a cavity is left untreated, the tooth can become infected.
Sensitivity
New or worsening tooth sensitivity could indicate various issues, but one of the most prominent ones is bruxism. Bruxism is when someone grinds or clenches their teeth, usually at night while sleeping. This can wear down the enamel, resulting in sensitivity to sugary foods or different temperatures. Sensitivity could also be from a cavity or gum recession, so it’s important to have the issue looked at.
Constant Aching
If you have a single tooth that is constantly aching, it’s likely that that tooth is infected and you need root canal treatment. This is done when decay and bacteria have reached the center of the tooth, where the nerve is located. In other cases, this could be needed if you have a tooth that is broken or cracked. When you visit your dentist, they will examine the problematic tooth and see if this procedure needs to be performed to ease your pain and save your tooth.
Gum Pain
If your gums are feeling sore and inflamed, it is usually a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue. When left untreated, it can result in irreversible damage, like tooth loss and bone deterioration. On the other hand, localized swelling and pain could be from a piece of food lodged against the gums.
Dull, Persistent Pressure
If you have a dull, yet persistent pressure on your teeth or surrounding tissue, this could be from impacted wisdom teeth. In most people, wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to completely come in without overcrowding the mouth. When impacted, wisdom teeth can put pressure on the rest of the teeth, resulting in pain in different areas throughout the mouth.
You should have to deal with dental pain. Schedule a visit with your emergency dentist to get to the bottom of it!
About the Practice
At Palm Leaf Dental, Dr. Eric Broe and Dr. Sarah Veazey-Georges work together to treat patients in the Ponte Vedra Beach community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you have tooth pain, they would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (904) 810-5702.