Toothaches can be concerning and make it difficult to focus on anything else. Whether you woke up with a throbbing tooth, bit down too hard on a popcorn kernel, or got an elbow to the face while playing a sport, the aftermath can be quite painful. If you have a toothache, you shouldn’t ignore it! Here are five different types of toothaches and what they could indicate.
Sharp Pain
If you have sharp pain that is worsening in severity, you might have a cavity. This is especially the case if you feel heightened sensitivity when you bite down on something. This is an issue that you need to have examined by your dentist. When a cavity is left untreated, the tooth becomes infected.
Sensitivity
New or worsening sensitivity can indicate various problems, but one of the most common ones is bruxism. Bruxism is when someone grinds or clenches their teeth, usually at night during sleep. This can wear down the enamel, causing sensitivity to sugary foods or different temperatures. Sensitivity could also be from a cavity or gum recession, so it’s important to have that issue looked at.
Constant Aching
If you have one tooth that is constantly aching, it is likely that the tooth is infected, and you need root canal treatment. This is required when decay and bacteria have reached the center of the tooth, where the nerve is located. In other cases, this could be necessary if you have a broken or cracked tooth. During your visit with 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 achy and inflamed, this 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 dull, yet persistent pressure on your teeth or surrounding tissue, this could be from impacted wisdom teeth. For 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 don’t need to put up with tooth pain. Give your dentist a call to schedule an emergency visit. You will be back to your normal self in just a matter of time.
About the Practice
At Smile More Dentistry, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Tappan community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. We are proud to offer same-day emergency appointments and have weekend and evening availability. To learn more about toothaches or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (845) 675-1512.