Tooth pain is one of the most common indicators of an oral health issue and should not be ignored. If you suffer from tooth pain, it could be your body's way of telling you something is wrong. Fortunately, restorative dentistry treatments can be used to address the underlying causes of tooth pain and restore oral health. To determine your causes of tooth pain, schedule a consultation with San Antonio, TX dentist Chris Reger.
What Are the Causes of Tooth Pain?
Tooth pain has many causes and may even occur from a combination of issues. Although most of the causes of tooth pain are related to an oral health problem, you may be surprised to learn that not all tooth pain is caused by dental damage.
- Enamel erosion: Enamel erosion refers to the wearing down of the protective, outer layer of the teeth. This can cause an increase in tooth sensitivity. The acids found in foods, drinks, and dental bacteria may wear the enamel away. Brushing with too much pressure or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can also wear down the enamel. If left untreated, enamel erosion may lead to tooth decay.
- Tooth decay: Tooth decay occurs when plaque build-up occurs, allowing the acids produced by bacteria to erode the enamel. If left untreated, tooth decay will progress and may even result in tooth loss.
- Dental cavities: Dental cavities form as a result of tooth decay and can be very painful. Dental cavities occur as acids from plaque bacteria erode a hole through the enamel, to the dentin, and, if left untreated, to the inner pulp tissues.
- Root canal infections: Root canal infections occur when bacteria are allowed to reach the inner pulp tissues of the teeth. Root canal infections directly impact the tooth's nerve tissue, often causing extreme pain. These infections can lead to the formation of abscesses around the tooth roots, bone loss, facial swelling, and tooth loss.
- Dental fractures:Dental fractures may result from an injury or poor dental health. Fractured teeth can make eating painful and, because cracks and fractures cause damage to the outer layer of the teeth, they increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can put stress on the teeth, resulting in tooth pain. Teeth grinding also increases the risk of dental fractions and tooth erosion.
- Sinus issues: Sinus issues, like sinusitis, can make the upper teeth hurt. Tooth pain caused by sinus infections are generally felt on both sides of the face, along with nasal congestion.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder: Sometimes jaw pain can be interpreted as tooth pain, as may be the case with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD is a condition in which the jaw joint doesn't move properly, sometimes locking or clicking when the mouth is opened and closed.
Seek Treatment for Tooth Pain
Dr. Reger offers a variety of dental treatments to alleviate tooth pain and repair oral health. To find out which treatments are right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation today.
