Have you recently noticed pain in your mouth? Experiencing pain when you brush, eat, or drink? There are many reasons someone may experience tooth pain, from cavities and decay to exposed roots and dental injuries. Luckily, there are various treatment options available that can relieve you of these symptoms, but the first step is to understand the source of your toothache.

Tooth Decay – When oral health is neglected, bacteria in the form of plaque and tartar build up in the mouth, which leads to tooth decay and cavities. As the decay reaches the pulp and nerves in the center of the tooth, you can begin to feel tooth pain.

Proper dental hygiene and certain treatment options such as regular cleanings, fillings, and root canals can help alleviate the pain associated with decay and prevent any further damage from occurring.

Teeth Grinding – Many patients suffer from subconscious teeth grinding while asleep and some even while awake. Persistent grinding can wear down protective enamel, leaving the underlying dentin exposed. This results in tooth sensitivity and pain. Ultimately, teeth grinding can lead to cracks, fractures, and even tooth loss.

Teeth grinding can be treated using different mouthguards that prevent the teeth from touching and grinding. If damage has been caused by grinding, restorative dental treatments such as crowns may be necessary.

Tooth Trauma – Tooth trauma can be extremely mild, such as a chipped tooth, or a bit more severe, such as a broken or dislodged tooth. The biggest culprits of tooth trauma tend to be sports-related injuries and accidents.

Depending on the severity of trauma, dental treatment may vary, from crowns or veneers to bridges and even dental implants. It is important to seek professional dental help when trauma occurs as it could mean the difference between saving a tooth and losing it.

Exposed Root – Do you experience sudden, sharp pain or a tingly sensation when drinking a cold beverage or brushing your teeth? You may have an exposed root. Certain dental conditions such as gum disease can cause gums to recede, exposing the sensitive tooth root which contains nerves. When things make contact with the exposed root, it can cause sharp, severe pain.

Treatment of exposed roots may consist of sealing the exposed root to prevent the painful symptoms or in more extreme cases a root canal, permanently relieving the pain caused by the exposed root.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, feel free to book an appointment with Northwest Austin Family Dentistry today! We can help find the source of your tooth pain and recommend the appropriate treatment to resolve it.