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Why do My Teeth Hurt? Learn the Facts

Posted by Dr. Mark Mann

Jul 24, 2015 1:30:00 PM

Each one of us might have wondered many times why do my teeth hurt. Well, there are numerous reasons that cause this generalized tooth pain. Having toothache is not at all a fun experience. The experience is even worse when you don’t know what is causing this ache or pain.  It can occur as sensitivity to temperature or sweets, painful biting or chewing, or even as a dull ache or sharp pain. Here are some reasons why your teeth could be hurting.  

why do my teeth hurt 9023386_sReasons for Toothache

Your dentist is the best professional to diagnose the cause of your toothache; and he can do this by using a variety of methods. Generally, toothache is diagnosed with the help of symptoms like sensitivity to temperatures, pain while eating, midnight pain and similar symptoms.

The most common reasons that might cause the most discomforting toothache include:

  • Tender Tooth Pulp

The first reason to your question, why do my teeth hurt, is tenderness in the tooth pulp. In medical terms, this condition is referred to as pulpitis. It indicates irritation and inflammation in the core tissue of your tooth. This irritation and inflammation builds up pressure under the tooth, thus exerting force on the surrounding tissue. An inflamed tooth is characterized with mild to extreme pain. The intensity of pain is directly related to the severity of the problem.  

  • Tooth Decay

Referred to as caries or cavities, tooth decay is the most common cause of tooth pain and ache. The decay creates symptoms like sensitivity to touch and temperature as it spreads under the tooth surface, thereby causing severe pain. Tooth decay can be treated with dental fillings.

  • Impacted Tooth

Impacted tooth implies improper position or mis-alignment of a tooth. This is common in case of wisdom tooth. Due to lack of space for a tooth to erupt, it stays under the gum exerting pressure on the gum tissue. It is this pressure that leads to the pain.  Impacted teeth need surgical intervention.

  • Abscess

Yet another answer to the important question, why do my teeth hurt, is the formation of plaque inside the pulp chamber and thereby causing an infection. This infection gets drained through the root tips. The pressure resulting from this draining infection leads to swelling, soreness and pain.

  • Receding Gums

Known as periodontitis or gingivitis, gum disease is a common cause of toothache. The infection in surrounding areas of the teeth eventually leads to bone loss along with gum deterioration. This further leads to tooth detachment and making room for more infection. The result is plaque and increased susceptibility to sensitivity and decay followed by toothache. If gum disease is not treated, it can result in tooth loss.  

  • Sensitivity

This is another common cause of pain in the teeth. Many times teeth are sensitive to liquids, certain foods and cold air. Toothache due to sensitivity is usually occasional and mild and occurs when the uppermost layer of the tooth erodes, thereby exposing the nerves.

  • Teeth Grinding

Many people suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding. It usually occurs when the person is sleeping and hence, he doesn’t know he is grinding his teeth. This can lead to erosion of the teeth, causing pain. The resulting pain is like a lightning bolt. This habit can even lead to teeth breaking off and that is why dentists recommend wearing a mouth guard at nights.  

In addition to these clinical causes of toothache, there are also certain non-medical reasons can cause your teeth to hurt. In such cases, sensitivity or cavities have nothing to do with the pain. The only reason for the pain is sinus congestion or sinus infection. This type of pain occurs specifically in the upper teeth, as they are located below the sinus cavity. The pain feels like it is emanating from several teeth. If diagnosed properly, a decongestant can relieve this pain.

Now that you know the answer to why do my teeth hurt, it is time to consult a good dentist to find out the exact cause of the pain and get treated for it

Topics: Dental Emergency Services

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