Tooth pain is one of the most common reasons people seek dental care, and it can vary from mild discomfort to sharp, unbearable pain. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it’s essential to understand the potential causes so you can take the proper steps toward relief and prevention. At Collins Road Family Dental, your trusted Dentist in Bristol, CT, we aim to help you identify the source of your pain and provide practical solutions to restore your oral health.
- Tooth Decay (Cavities)
The most common cause of tooth pain is tooth decay, also known as cavities. Cavities form when harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches from food, producing acids that erode the protective enamel on your teeth. Over time, if the decay is not addressed, it can progress and reach the inner layers of the tooth, causing significant pain. Early-stage cavities may only cause mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, but as the decay deepens, the pain becomes more severe and constant.
If you’re experiencing discomfort, please call Collins Road Family Dental. Our team can diagnose the issue and offer treatment options, such as fillings or crowns, to restore your tooth and eliminate the pain.
- Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is another leading cause of tooth pain. Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline, leading to inflammation, infection, and damage to the supporting structures of your teeth. In the early stages, gum disease can cause gums to bleed, swell, or become tender. If left untreated, it can progress to more severe forms of periodontal disease, causing pain, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss.
Suppose you are noticing that your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding when brushing or flossing. In that case, please call Collins Road Family Dental for a thorough evaluation.
- Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common issue where teeth become painful when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. This sensitivity occurs when the tooth’s enamel has been worn down or when the gums recede, exposing the underlying dentin, which is more sensitive. Sensitive teeth can be the result of brushing too hard, using harsh toothpaste, or even grinding your teeth at night.
If you experience sharp pain when drinking cold beverages or eating hot foods, it’s a sign that your teeth may be sensitive. Collins Road Family Dental can evaluate the cause of your sensitivity and offer solutions like desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatments, or dental bonding to protect your teeth and reduce pain.
- Dental Abscesses
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in or around the tooth due to infection. This infection is usually the result of untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or a cracked tooth. Abscesses can cause intense, throbbing pain, swelling, and even fever. Suppose you suspect you have a dental abscess. In that case, it’s essential to see a dentist as untreated abscesses can spread infection and lead to more serious health issues.
At Collins Road Family Dental, we can help identify and treat dental abscesses through root canal therapy or tooth extraction if necessary. We’ll work with you to address the infection and relieve the pain quickly and effectively.
- Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)
Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, occurs when a person unconsciously grinds or clenches their teeth. This can lead to worn enamel, jaw pain, headaches, and tooth sensitivity. Bruxism can also cause the teeth to become cracked or fractured, leading to even more severe pain.
If you are waking up with sore jaws or headaches, or if you notice that your teeth are worn down, tooth grinding may be the culprit. Collins Road Family Dentalcan provide solutions such as custom night guards to protect your teeth and relieve pain associated with grinding.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth
A cracked or broken tooth can lead to sharp, intense pain, especially when chewing or biting down. Teeth can crack or break due to trauma, decay, or biting into hard foods. A crack in a tooth can expose the sensitive inner parts, causing discomfort that worsens over time.
If you suspect you have a cracked or a broken tooth, it’s essential to visit Collins Road Family Dental as soon as possible. We can examine the tooth and provide restorative treatments like dental crowns, bonding, or root canal therapy to protect the tooth and prevent further pain.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often cause pain when they do not have enough space to emerge through the gums fully. This can lead to impaction, where the teeth become trapped beneath the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling, infection, and intense pain in the back of the mouth.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted.
- Sinus Infection
Sometimes, tooth pain can actually be caused by issues unrelated to the teeth themselves, such as a sinus infection. The sinuses are located close to the upper teeth, and sinus pressure can cause discomfort or pain in the upper molars. This pain often worsens when you bend forward or apply pressure to the teeth.
If a stuffy nose or facial pressure accompanies your tooth pain, you should check with your healthcare provider to determine if a sinus infection is causing the discomfort. If the pain is due to sinus issues, you’ll likely experience relief once the sinus infection is treated.
Conclusion
Tooth pain can be a sign of various underlying dental issues, from cavities and gum disease to tooth sensitivity and even sinus infections. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it’s essential not to ignore it. Seeking prompt care from a trusted dentist in Bristol, CT, like Collins Road Family Dental, can help identify the cause and prevent further damage.
Our team is here to provide personalized care and treatment options to relieve your tooth pain and restore your oral health. Don’t let tooth pain disrupt your daily life—Contact Collins Road Family Dental today to schedule an appointment and get the relief you deserve!