Nothing is more frustrating than a sudden toothache. Not only is the pain uncomfortable, but your stress level also increases as your mind spirals to the worst possible conclusions.
Before you keep reading, take a deep breath. Even people with the healthiest of teeth can experience the occasional toothache. Let your mind ease, a toothache is most likely not a sign that you have some terrible illlness or that you are going to die tomorrow.
So, why does your tooth hurt? There are many reasons that you may have a toothache. Keep reading to find out the six most common causes.
#1: You Overclean Your Teeth
I bet you didn’t know that overcleaning your teeth can almost be equally as detrimental as under-cleaning them. Over-brushing can lead to overly sensitive teeth and receding gums. This is known as “toothbrush abrasion.” Toothbrush abrasion happens when you not only brush your teeth too often but when you brush your teeth too rigorously.
A tooth is made by an outer protective layer called the enamel. Under the enamel, there is a softer layer of dentin. The dentin layer is full of nerve endings and is much more sensitive than the enamel. Over-brushing causes the thinning of the enamel and can lead the teeth to be extra sensitive to hot and cold temperatures along with being more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
If any of the following is true for you then you may be over brushing your teeth:
- Red or bleeding gums after brushing
- Gum recession
- Splayed bristles on your toothbrush
#2: You Just Whitened Your Teeth
Have you recently whitened your teeth? If so, this may be the cause of your tooth pain. Teeth whitening can lift stains from your teeth and make them appear much brighter. However, teeth whitening can often result in increased sensitivity for a few days following the treatment.
There is bleach within most whitening solutions, and this concentration can make your teeth more sensitive than normal. The sensitivity is most common in the following forms:
- Sudden shooting pain in your tooth
- Pain when exposed to hot or cold temperatures
- Pain when eating acidic foods
The pain should alleviate a few days after your whitening treatment. If the pain lasts longer than three days, contact your dentist.
#3: You Don’t Drink Enough Water
It may come as a surprise to you, but dehydration can result in tooth pain. When you don’t drink enough water, you don’t have enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. This is known as “dry mouth.”A dry mouth results in a build-up of bacteria in your mouth and eventually leads to tooth decay.
Pay special attention to your water intake to avoid tooth pain. Try these five tips to up your water intake:
- Drink a glass of water right when you wake up. Create a habit and always start the day hydrated.
- Chew sugar-free gum throughout the day to promote saliva production.
- Carry a water bottle around with you everywhere you go. Find a water bottle that will encourage you to drink more!
- When you eat out choose water over other drinks.
- Eat more foods that are high in water such as lettuce, celery, zucchini, and watermelon.
#4: You Haven’t Been To The Dentist in A While
When was the last time you visited the dentist? If you haven’t been in over six months, then it is time to schedule a visit.
Tooth pain can stem from a minor decay of your tooth. If caught soon enough can be fixed by a simple cavity. However, if you wait too long to get the pain checked out, the decay will extend into the root of your tooth and will require a more extensive procedure, a root canal, to fix the pain.
Visiting the dentist regularly will prevent you from getting as many cavities and will decrease your risk for gum disease. Here at Jet Dental, we have brought convenience to the dental industry through our mobile dentistry. Find us in your area! We’ll come right to your work and get everyone’s dental appointment done in a snap. It’s just like going to the regular dentist but without the hassle.
#5: You Grind Your Teeth
If you find yourself grinding your teeth when you’re stressed or angry, then this may be the cause of your tooth pain.
It is also common for people to grind their teeth in their sleep. If you are unsure if you grind your teeth, evaluate how many of the following symptoms you experience:
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Chipped or flattened teeth
- Difficulty sleeping
- Neck pain
- Stiff shoulders
The best way to stop grinding your teeth is by participating in stress-relieving activities such as exercise, meditation, and journaling, and by wearing a mouth guard like this at night.
#6: You Still Have Your Wisdom Teeth
If you still have your wisdom teeth, this could be the cause of your tooth pain. When your wisdom teeth try to come in, they push against your other teeth and can cause discomfort by doing so. If you are experiencing pain from your wisdom teeth, it may be time to consider getting them removed.
Here are four signs that you need to get your wisdom teeth removed:
- Shifting teeth – When your wisdom teeth come in, your mouth is often overcrowded and your existing teeth are pushed against one another. If the wisdom teeth are not removed, your teeth will continue to become more crooked.
- Sinus pain – The wisdom teeth often rub up against your sinuses and cause pain, irritation, and infection in your sinuses. Removing your wisdom teeth will alleviate this pain.
- Inflamed gums – The gums around the wisdom teeth may become hard and inflamed making them hard to keep clean. If the wisdom teeth are not removed, it can lead to infection and potential gym disease.
- A cyst forms in your mouth – If a sac around your teeth appears, then it is time to remove your wisdom teeth. This cyst could develop into a tumor if not treated immediately.
