1. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is more commonly known as a cavity. Tooth decay isn’t always felt because it starts at the top and lingers on the sides of your teeth. It isn’t until the decay moves further into the tooth leading to infection (which often results in the need for a root canal), that a tooth ache and pain in gums emerge. Cavities are caused by bacteria that build up over time due to an unhealthy diet and poor dental hygiene. Luckily, cavities can usually be corrected with antibiotics and possibly a filling which is a simple, outpatient dental procedure.
2. Sensitivity To Cold Or Hot Temperatures
If you have a tooth sensitive to cold, It is possible that taking a sip of cold water or a bite of ice cream causes you to feel a quick, sharp pain in your mouth. This may be the result of sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity occurs when your tooth enamel is worn thin. On the contrary, you may tooth nerve pain only when eating or drinking things that are hot. Teeth sensitive to extreme temperatures are most likely a sign of nerve damage, meaning you may need a root canal. If your sensitivity is mild, you can often ease the tooth pain by using a toothpaste that has potassium nitrate and/or stannous fluoride, such as the highly dentist-recommended Sensodyne. If the sensitivity is unbearable, you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible to receive proper treatment, especially if you are sensitive to hot temperatures.
3. Brushing Too Hard
Yes, there is such a thing as brushing too much and too hard. When you brush using too much pressure, you are actually wearing away your tooth structure and your gum line. This can also lead to temperature sensitivity because the root of the tooth is more exposed. Unfortunately, there is no way to undo the damage that has already been done, but there are treatment options available if your teeth hurt, such as tooth-colored fillings.
4. Cracked or Damaged Tooth
First and foremost, if you are aware of a cracked tooth, you should stop eating hard foods immediately. You may have cracked or chipped a tooth without realizing it. Obviously, if the damage occurred to your front teeth, you may be able to visually see the damage. However, your back molars are more likely to be damaged from eating hard-to-bite foods, but since they are located in the back of your mouth, the damage may not be visible. If the damage has hit a nerve, it may cause sharp, constant tooth pain. Whether there is pain or not, if you are aware of a cracked, chipped, or damaged tooth, do your best to get to a dental practice as soon as possible to prevent infection and treat your pain.
5. Gum Infection
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 47 percent of adults over 30 years old are affected by periodontal disease, which is commonly known as gingivitis when the gum disease is in its early stages. The issue with gingivitis is that many people are unaware they have it all. However, when left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis which causes severe pain and sensitivity, or even worse, it can lead to an abscess! This is why it is so important to see your dentist at least once a year (preferably every 6 months) to make sure there are no signs of gum infection.
6. Sinus Infection
This one may catch some off-guard; however, it is not uncommon for flared-up sinuses to affect your teeth. You see, the roots of some of your teeth are located by your sinuses. If your sinuses become inflamed, the pressure can compress the nerve endings and cause tooth or jaw pain. This is one of the only tooth ache causes or reasons your teeth may hurt (on the list) that may require a physician over a dentist if the sinus infection does not go away on its own.