What Your Tooth Pain Means and How to Handle It

If you’ve ever had tooth pain, your first thought is that it’s probably just a cavity. While cavities are definitely a common culprit of tooth pain, they are certainly not the only possible reason. Your emergency dentist in Doylestown explains the different possible causes and what you should do in each situation.

What Types of Tooth Pain Are There, and What Do They Mean?

Tooth pain is something that affects billions of people worldwide every day, but the reasons behind it are not always the same. Here are several of the most common types of tooth pain, what the causes could be, and what to do about it:

Sensitivity to Extreme Temperatures

This is one of the most common temporary types of tooth pain that people experience, and generally, it does not signal a serious issue. It could be due to thinner enamel or minor gum recession that exposes small areas of the root’s surface. The best way to combat this is to use a toothpaste specifically made for sensitive teeth and avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages.

Post-Dental Treatment Sensitivity

If you have recently had a dental treatment done, such as whitening, it is not uncommon to experience sensitivity in your teeth. Certain treatments can cause the pulp inside of the teeth to become slightly inflamed, which can lead to sensitivity. In this case, follow the same guidelines given above. The pain will typically ease within two to four weeks, but if it does not, see your dentist.

Sharp Pain Caused by Biting Down

When you bite down on hard food, it’s not normal to feel pain in your teeth on a regular basis. This can signal signs of possible decay or damage to the inside of the tooth. If this is something that you experience more often than not, it’s time to have it evaluated by a dental professional.

Aching or Pressure in the Teeth or Jaw

Millions of people grind or clench their teeth without realizing it, especially when they are sleeping. If you frequently have an aching sensation in your jaw or teeth, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist about wearing a nightguard to protect your teeth from wearing down over time. Plus, it can help keep your jaw muscles from tensing up and causing facial pain and headaches.

Lingering Pain After Eating Hot or Cold Foods

When you drink something with ice or take a sip of hot coffee, it is normal for the nerves in your teeth to react. However, if there is frequent pain that results and it lasts longer than 30 seconds, this could mean internal tooth damage caused by decay or trauma. In this case, a root canal may be needed, so it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible to save the tooth.

Persisting Severe Pain and Sensitivity or Swelling of the Gums

If you have pain in a tooth that is so severe and constant that it distracts you from daily life, it could mean that the tooth is abscessed due to infection. If this is the case, it is extremely important to see your dentist immediately to not only save the tooth but also prevent the infection from spreading to the jaw or into the bloodstream.

Any time your body feels consistent discomfort, it’s trying to tell you something. Regardless of the type of tooth pain you’re experiencing, it’s never a good idea to ignore it. Make sure to schedule an appointment soon to talk to your dentist if the irritation persists.

About the Practice

Dr. Terry F. Rakowsky has been practicing dentistry for nearly 35 years. He has extensive experience treating patients with tooth pain, and his priority is to make them as comfortable as possible while addressing the issue. He has built his practice on integrity and values the long-lasting relationships he is able to have with his patients. Are you ready to rid yourself of tooth pain? Schedule your appointment online or give us a call at (215) 348-2224.