So you have a toothache? Ouch! We feel your pain — literally. Almost every person has experienced tooth pain at some point in their lives, but each of them goes through this tough situation for different reasons. While the best way to determine what’s causing your toothaches is to schedule a visit, below are a few common reasons that teeth can begin to hurt.
You Have Sensitivity
Some people are simply more likely to have sensitive teeth. Take note of when your teeth started to hurt. Have you recently had a hot or cold meal or beverage? Have you been testing out a new over-the-counter whitening kit? If so, you might be experiencing tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity could also be the result of a new cavity, or tooth grinding as well. This condition, caused by worn tooth enamel, can cause some serious pain. Fortunately, most reactions are short-lived, but you can experience them time and time again if you don’t take action. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, we might recommend that you switch to a situation-specific toothpaste and avoid triggering substances.
Gum Issues
Gums, the pink tissue that covers your teeth and is exposed when you smile or eat, work to protect your oral nerve endings. If your gums have certain conditions, they won’t be able to properly do their job — and that can leave your nerves exposed and predisposed for pain. One of these conditions is gum recession. This typically occurs due to age when tissue begins to wear down, opening the door for gum disease and infections. If an infection occurs, your teeth become even more at risk for sensitivity. Gum disease, which starts with gingivitis, is a pretty common thing, but it’s important that you have regular checkups to screen for it and reduce your chances of developing it or letting it become worse.
Cavities
Be honest. Do you truly have a regular oral health care routine that keeps your mouth healthy? That includes brushing a few times a day, using floss, and visiting your dentist for checkups on regular basis. In today’s busy world, it can be easy to forget or simply skip dental care. But doing so can be extremely detrimental. If you’re not doing your part, tooth decay can quickly and easily become a cavity. And cavities should be taken seriously. In addition to general pain, they can advance to more complicated issues down the line. Taking care of them as soon as they pop up is the most effective way to handle them.
Stress
We are living in extremely stressful times. Between a global pandemic and simply dropping our kids off where they need to be at the right time, it’s no wonder that many of us are feeling overwhelmed. Just like it’s important to visit a therapist when your mental health is awry, it’s essential to visit your dentist when stress is impacting your oral health. Stress often pops up in the form of tooth grinding and jaw clenching. This occurs both while you sleep and while you navigate daily tasks. With time, this tooth-on-tooth contact can create significant pain. To help, we might recommend using a custom night guard.
When you experience new or ongoing tooth sensitivity, your dentist can provide helpful answers. Sometimes it’s as simple as updating your dental routine. Other times, a corrective procedure can help. No matter what is causing your sensitivity, we’re here to help you navigate it. Dr. Cohen takes pride in how he works with his patients to get to the bottom of concerns. You don’t have to live in pain! Set up an appointment and consultation using the form here or by giving us a call at either our Great Neck or Briarwood office.