Not All Tooth Pain is Created Equal

For some people, tooth sensitivity is just a fact of life.

But the good news is that such pain can often be managed with certain preventive efforts, like the use of desensitizing toothpaste. But for others, tooth pain may be an indication of something more serious going on that requires professional attention.

Here are some of the possible causes of tooth pain:

• Tooth Decay
  Tooth decay or cavities are a common cause of tooth pain. If you’ve been experiencing concerning pain in a tooth, seeing the dentist as soon as possible is much smarter than waiting until the pain becomes unbearable.
• Receding gums
  Gums that have receded expose more of the tooth’s root, which exposes more of the sensitive dentin layer (the layer beneath the tooth’s enamel). This could lead to tooth pain or sensitivity when the area is exposed to hot or cold.
• Thin enamel
  Enamel that has worn down can contribute to tooth sensitivity. Factors that are known to wear away at the enamel include eating highly acidic foods/drinks, or brushing aggressively using a hard bristle toothbrush that can be abrasive on the teeth.
• Trauma/injury
  Biting down too hard on something or experiencing an injury to the jaw can really aggravate a tooth and cause serious pain. Whether you’re aware the tooth/teeth has chipped or not, you should definitely see your dentist right away if you experience a painful dental injury.
• Irreversible Pulpitis
  A tooth that has experienced significant damage to its pulp (as a result of deep decay, a deep filling procedure or a severe injury) can eventually die off and cause a severe toothache. This type of toothache is the most significant and often occurs spontaneously without any stimulus (such as a hot or cold drink).

So, what do you think is causing your tooth pain? If you’re concerned about your tooth pain being something other than typical sensitivity, our Hamilton dentist can help. Make an appointment as soon as possible!