Why Does My Tooth Hurt? A Dentist Gives You 10 Possible Reasons

When it comes to dental problems, many people think that cavities are the only threat they have to worry about. But the truth is that there are many different reasons for tooth pain, some of which may surprise you. By learning about what can go wrong with your teeth, you’ll be better equipped to prevent these problems. So if you’re asking yourself, “Why does my tooth hurt?” keep reading below to learn about 10 common reasons for tooth pain.  

1. Cracked or Fractured Teeth

Cracks and fractures can develop over time from multiple factors such as clenching and grinding, bite alignment issues that put excessive chewing force on certain teeth, teeth that are weakened by multiple fillings, and chewing on ice, hard candies or popcorn kernels. One sign of a crack or fracture is feeling sharp pain when you bite down on something.

2. Cavities

An estimated 90% of adults have had cavities at some point, which are caused when bacteria in the mouth consume carbohydrates like sugar and excrete acid. Over time, this acid wears away at your enamel and can eventually result in a cavity. As the cavity becomes bigger and gets closer to the nerve in the center of the tooth, sensitivity and pain increase. 

3. Orthodontic Adjustment

If you’re in orthodontic treatment, including traditional braces and Invisalign, you may feel temporary sensitivity for a day or two after your wires are tightened or you begin wearing a new set of clear aligners. 

4. Broken Fillings 

Any type of dental work is subject to wear-and-tear. If a dental filling chips or breaks, it may expose the sensitive inner layers of your teeth and lead to a toothache. 

5. Wisdom Teeth Impaction 

If you have wisdom teeth that come in only partially or at an angle, they can put pressure on the adjacent teeth. This can also cause chronic inflammation and tenderness of the gums.  

6. Gum Recession 

If your gums have receded, or “pulled back” from their initial position, the roots of your teeth become exposed. Since the enamel on the roots of your teeth is much thinner than the enamel on the crowns, they’re much more sensitive to temperature and pressure. 

7. Nighttime Clenching and Grinding 

If you’re one of the many people who clench and grind at night and don’t wear a protective nightguard, the chronic force can eventually over-stimulate the nerves of your teeth and lead to sensitivity. 

8. Temperature Sensitivity

Some people are simply born with more temperature sensitivity than others, in which case a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can be very helpful. 

9. An Abscess or Infection 

A cavity is actually a type of infection caused by bacteria. If it goes untreated long enough, it progressively destroys more and more enamel and eventually reaches the soft center of the tooth where the nerve is. Once the infection hits the nerve, it can cause severe pain and an abscess (a collection of pus around the root of a tooth that often leads to facial swelling). 

10. Gum Disease

Advanced gum disease destroys the supportive structures around the teeth that keep them in place. Eventually the teeth can become loose, which makes it difficult and painful to chew food. 

Although there are many potential threats to your teeth, you’ll greatly minimize the risk of toothaches by simply scheduling regular checkups with a dentist. These visits, along with good oral hygiene at home, can prevent many problems altogether. Or, if a dentist does find something early on, they can provide simple, inexpensive treatment before you ever feel any pain. And everyone can agree – that’s a lot better than dealing with a toothache!

About the Author 

Dr. Ukti Phadnis is a general, cosmetic and restorative dentist with advanced training in multiple specialty areas. She makes it a priority to see any patient with a toothache as soon as possible to get them out pain in the short-term and protect their oral health in the long-term. If you’re suffering from a toothache or have any additional questions, she can be reached via her website.