Dental pain is common and often a symptom of a dental problem or issue. It can affect people of all ages and vary depending on various factors, including access to dental care and oral hygiene practices.

What Causes Dental Pain?

The following may cause dental pain: bruxism, dental abscess, tooth decay, and tooth sensitivity. Let’s discuss them one by one.

Bruxism

Do you grind your teeth a lot? Then you may have bruxism. It’s often linked to stress, anxiety, sleep problems, smoking, alcohol consumption, and taking certain medicines. While occasionally grinding your teeth won’t do you any harm, regularly grinding your teeth can start hurting your teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joints.

Bruxism or teeth grinding can happen when you’re awake or asleep, and regardless of when it happens, it can cause several problems, such as wearing down of teeth, tooth loss, fractured teeth, and aesthetic problems.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is an infection that happens when your tooth is filled with pus and other infected material, and pain is its main symptom. Other symptoms may include bad breath, fever, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, red gums, swollen glands in the neck, and a swollen upper or lower jaw.

It is always best to see a dentist if you have any symptoms of a dental abscess, as it will not go away on its own. However, in cases where you can’t meet your dentist right away, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers as temporary relief.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common cause of dental pain, and it typically happens when the enamel, or outer protective layer, of your tooth is damaged due to acid produced by bacteria or poor oral hygiene. There are five main stages of tooth decay, namely: initial demineralization, enamel decay, dentin decay, pulp damage, and abscess. It is usually the last two stages that can lead to severe pain.

Common signs and symptoms of tooth decay include toothaches, visible discoloration, bad breath, changes in tooth texture, and gum irritation, among others.

Toooth Sensitivity

As its name suggests, tooth sensitivity refers to the pain experienced in the teeth as a response to specific triggers, such as hot and cold foods and beverages, cold air, sweet foods and beverages, and cold water.

Having sensitive teeth can cause sharp and temporary pain in your teeth. And the level of pain can vary, from mild discomfort to more intense pain. Also, the pain can be temporary or persistent, depending on the underlying reasons and its severity.

Get Rid of Dental Pain

You should never ignore dental pain, especially if you experience persistent pain or discomfort. This could indicate an underlying problem. That’s why it’s important to visit a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you’re near Pinehurst or The Woodlands, you may consult one of the dentists at Happy Sapiens Dentals. Always remember that dental pain prevention starts with proper dental care. Contact us at (281) 356-3351 or (281) 367-3685 today to discuss your dental needs.

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