Are you concerned about pain in a tooth? If so, your Danville, CA, dentist, Dr. John O'Grady, can determine why your tooth hurts and offer treatments that will ease your pain.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain
Your toothache may be caused by:
- A Cavity: If you think that you have a cavity, you just may be right. Tooth decay is a common cause of dental pain. In fact, 92 percent of adults have had cavities in their permanent teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
- An Abscess: Abscesses occur when a bacterial infection affects your tooth pulp. If it's not treated promptly, the infection may travel to your brain, heart, or other parts of your body. Signs and symptoms of an abscess include pain, gum swelling/tenderness, pus around your tooth, facial swelling, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. An emergency visit to our Danville dental office is a must if you have an abscess.
- Receding Gums: Have your gums begin to recede? Receding gum tissue exposes sensitive tooth roots. Every time you take a bite or drink of a hot, cold, or sugary food/beverage, you may experience pain that lasts as long as 30 minutes.
- Sensitivity: Sensitivity can also occur even if your roots aren't exposed. Your dentist can offer treatments and suggestions that decrease sensitivity.
- A Crack: Even tiny cracks can trigger tooth pain every time that you take a bite of food. Cracks also allow bacteria to enter your tooth, raising your risk of cavities and abscesses.
- Trauma: Did your pain start after a fall or blow to your face? If you've injured your tooth, let your dentist know as soon as possible.
- A Filling Issue: Pain may be due to a loose filling or a new cavity that develops around the filling.
- Grinding: Grinding and clenching your teeth while you sleep can cause tooth and jaw pain. Grinding can also be a factor in cracked and damaged teeth.
- Sinus Infection: Most people don't think about their sinuses when their teeth hurt, but sinus infections can be a factor in tooth pain. The infection can irritate the roots in your upper teeth, causing pain.
Don't suffer needlessly from tooth pain—call your dentist in Danville, CA, Dr. O'Grady, at (925) 820-5585 to schedule your appointment.