If you ask most people, tooth pain is among their least favorite things to experience — and for good reason. After all, tooth pain not only hurts significantly, it interferes with everyday activities necessary to sustain life, such as eating and drinking. Tooth pain can vary from sharp and sporadic to dull and throbbing as well as everything in between. The following are some of the most common causes of tooth pain.

Cavities

Cavities are probably the most common reason why people experience tooth pain. Cavities occur when tooth decay has resulted in holes in the teeth. Your dentist will install a filling if a cavity is found to stop the cavity from growing larger and check the spread of decay on the affected tooth. Loss of fillings can also cause considerable tooth pain.

Abscesses

An abscessed tooth is one that has become infected. You’ll notice significant swelling and redness of the gums as well as the presence of pus if you have an abscessed tooth. It is essential to see your dentist as soon as possible if you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth because the infection can spread to other parts of your body.

Fractures or Breakage

Fractured or broken teeth occur as a result of injuries. For instance, if you play on a sports team, you run the risk of experiencing the kind of injuries that result in fractures or breakage. Although broken teeth are obvious, you could possibly experience a fracture without even knowing it, so be sure to make an appointment with your dentist if you suspect that you have a fractured tooth.

Infected Gums

There are times when a toothache is caused by something other than the teeth — such as when you’ve got infected gums. The most common causes of gum infections is bacterial buildup, and this may lead to gingivitis or its far more serious counterpart, periodontal disease. Infected gums often manifest themselves as tooth pain, so if you suspect that this condition may be occurring, see your dentist as soon as possible to get a thorough gum disease screening. The sooner this is diagnosed, the sooner your dentist can prescribe effective troubleshooting treatments.

Please feel free to reach out to our office at your convenience to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing tooth pain or other dental health issues.