Why Does My Tooth Hurt? Top 10 Reasons from a Dentist

Lately, have you found yourself asking, “why does my tooth hurt?” If so, you’re not alone. Toothaches are a fairly common problem and wanting to know the reason behind your pain is quite understandable. That’s why a dentist has written this guide on the ten most common reasons why you might have tooth pain.

10. Orthodontic Alignment

If you’ve recently gotten your braces tightened or switched to a new set of clear aligners, your teeth may feel sore. This discomfort should subside after a few days, but you can take over-the-counter pain relievers in the meantime.

9. Misaligned Teeth or Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Crowded or crooked teeth can push against each other, causing pain. Similarly, impacted wisdom teeth, which have failed to erupt through the gumline, can place pressure on surrounding teeth and result in a severe toothache.

8. Improper Brushing or Flossing

Many people apply too much pressure when cleaning their teeth. This can wear down your enamel, resulting in sensitivity. Think of brushing and flossing more like polishing an eggshell rather than sanding down a floor.

7. Teeth Grinding

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding is a bad habit that often occurs while you sleep. It can accelerate wear and tear on the tooth enamel and even chip or crack your teeth. Ask your dentist about a nightguard to prevent damage from this habit.

6. Damaged Fillings

Fillings aren’t designed to last forever. If one falls out or gets damaged, the part of your tooth it was protecting can be left vulnerable to becoming decayed again.

5. Temperature Sensitivity

If you experience a sharp pain during and after consuming something hot or cold, that could be due to temperature sensitivity. This could mean your enamel has worn down, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath. It could also be due to a recent teeth whitening treatment. Whatever the case may be, call your dentist right away if the feeling persists.

4. Tooth Fractures

A small crack in your enamel could rapidly spread to the center of the tooth, where the nerves lie. Once it reaches this point, it causes extreme pain. If you have even a small chip or crack in your tooth, see your dentist for treatment.

3. Gum Disease

This bacterial infection in the gums can contribute to a toothache in what feels like all of your teeth. Gum disease is characterized by a dull ache as well as bleeding, red gums. If left untreated, your teeth could become loose and even fall out!

2. Tooth Abscess

Do you have a widespread, pulsating pain but you can’t tell which tooth is to blame? You may have an abscess, or an infection of the pulp within the tooth. If you see your dentist right away, they could perform a root canal to save your tooth.

1. Tooth Decay

The most common reasons behind tooth pain is good old-fashioned tooth decay. Once a cavity has reached the sensitive inner portion of your tooth, it affects the nerves and results in serious pain. At this point, you’ll definitely need a filling or possibly a root canal.

If any of these situations sound familiar to you, contact your dentist right away for treatment. Doing so could save your tooth!

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis is a dentist in West Hartford, CT. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. Her goal is to stay up to date with the latest dental techniques to provide fast, effective, and comfortable care. If you have a toothache, visit her website to schedule an appointment to find out what’s wrong and begin treatment.