When you’re in pain, you want to know the reason why. There are many reasons why your teeth may hurt, but there are a few common reasons you may want to know while you’re awaiting your appointment with Dr. Donald J. Alexander in Jacksonville.
Cavity
Cavities develop when enamel erodes due to tooth decay, which is caused by bacteria in the mouth and leftover food residue. You might notice pain when chewing, brushing teeth, or sensitivity to temperature. While common, it’s very important to see your dentist as soon as you notice symptoms to avoid complex and painful dental procedures.
Lost or Damaged Filling
Even if you already had a cavity filled, they don’t last forever. When fillings are missing or damaged, the sensitive area of the tooth is exposed, which can lead to tooth pain. Dr. Alexander can check the tooth for further decay and re-seal the tooth to relieve the pain.
Temperature Sensitivity
Does eating hot or cold foods hurt your teeth? Does breathing in cold air hurt? Teeth are supposed to be somewhat sensitive to temperature, but if you’re more sensitive than you’ve ever been to temperature, you might be experiencing exposed dentin which is caused by eroded enamel.
Teeth Grinding or TMJ
If there’s a lot of tension in your jaw or if you catch yourself grinding your teeth during the day, you might have issues with bruxism, or teeth grinding. This can wear down enamel and cause persistent headaches, toothaches, and jaw pain. There are many solutions to correct bruxism, so it’s important to consult with your dentist to find the solution that’s right for your situation.
Wisdom Teeth
If you’re having pain in the back of your mouth and you haven’t had your wisdom teeth removed, they may be causing problems. Because the teeth are usually set in place by the time wisdom teeth come in, there may not be room in the mouth for them. This causes them to potentially become impacted and form an abscess, which is a serious condition that needs to be treated to avoid further systemic infection.
Orthodontics
Did you recently have your braces adjusted or recently had orthodontic work? This can sometimes cause temporary dental pain. Many over-the-counter pain relievers will do the trick, but if it persists or is unusual, it’s best to have it checked out.
There are many causes of tooth pain, and some are more serious than others. It’s always best to be safe than sorry, so the best thing to do when you’re experiencing unusual dental symptoms is schedule an appointment with Dr. Alexander. He’ll perform a comprehensive exam to determine the root of the problem and recommend a solution for the discomfort. Schedule online or call 904.372.8157 today.