If your teeth have ever hurt you, you’re not alone. Studies from the American Dental Association suggest that virtually everyone will experience some sort of discomfort during the course of their lives.
But dental pain isn’t solely the consequence of rotting teeth. There are many other causes which we list below.
Gum Recession
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Receding gums is something that happens as we age. Gums migrate towards the jawbone, leaving more of the tooth exposed. It’s where the expression “getting long in the tooth” actually comes from.
Gum recession usually occurs because of gingivitis. Bacteria along the gum line damage the cells that adhere to the teeth, causing them to die off and recede over time. Other causes include the daily trauma of eating and wear due to improper brushing technique.
When gums recede, it exposes the roots of teeth, making them more sensitive and vulnerable to infection. People who have gum recession are much more likely to have sensitive teeth.
Tooth Grinding
If you’re stressed because of your job, relationships, health or something else, then you are much more likely to experience tooth grinding when you sleep. Clenched jaws are a consequence of elevated stress during the day and can eventually become a habit.
When tooth grinding occurs, it can damage the surface of the teeth. Over time, it can wear away at the enamel and even cause teeth to fall out of place.
Hot Or Cold Exposure
Teeth aren’t just blocks of enamel that sit lifelessly in your mouth. Instead, they’re like every other tissue in the both (including bone) that have their own blood supply and nerve endings.
Unfortunately, for people who have sensitive teeth, these nerve endings can fire when they eat hot or cold food. And that can lead to pain and lasting sensitivity throughout the day.
Fortunately, this issue is relatively easy to deal with: simply choose a toothpaste designed to prevent tooth sensitivity. You can also seek dental services to find the underlying cause of the sensitivity and deal with it.
Enamel Erosion
Enamel erosion is another major cause of tooth pain. If the enamel that coats the surface of the teeth erodes too much, it can expose the underlying dentin – a sort of yellowy substance that forms the core of the teeth. This structure is far more sensitive than the enamel, and so can hurt when you chew. Typically, if you have exposed dentin, you will experience sharp, stabbing pains that feel a bit like electric shocks.
Sinus Infections
Sometimes, the pain in your mouth isn’t the result of pain in your teeth but, instead, pain in the sinus.
Sinuses are cavities within the body, usually filled with fluid. When these become inflamed or infected, it can lead to pressure on the surrounding tissue, causing pain. There are several sinuses in and around the mouth that could potentially cause issues for you.
The best way to deal with sinus infections is to use oral antibiotics. You can also treat the symptoms with nasal decongestant and other formulations over the counter.
Photo by engin akyurt
