Root

Were you blissfully going about your day when a sudden, sharp tooth pain struck? Having a tough time finishing your mid-day sweet treat? Are you wondering if it’s just tooth sensitivity or something more serious? Say less.

Let's uncover the 10 most common reasons for sudden tooth pain:

• Tooth sensitivity

• Cavities

• Sinus issues

• Gum disease

• Damaged tooth

• Impacted tooth

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)

• TMJ disorders

• Tooth infection

• A damaged dental restoration

Dealing with extreme toothaches or discomfort? If it hurts, it’s an emergency!

Contact Swish and we'll take care of it ASAP. Tooth Sensitivity 

Does your tooth only hurt when eating hot or cold foods? Sensitivity is likely to blame. 

Your teeth become more sensitive when the enamel (the outer protective layer of your tooth) wears down, exposing the dentin (the sensitive, softer layer underneath). Sometimes, tooth sensitivity occurs because of other factors like:

• Cavities and tooth decay
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Gum disease
• Recent dental procedures
• Teeth grinding

Fortunately, sensitivity can often be managed with desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatments, or dental sealants. Our team at Swish can recommend the best solution for you based on the severity of your symptoms. Plus, we keep our Swish Bar stocked with soft toothbrushes and Sensitive Toothpaste for you to take home, free of charge. 

Cavities

Is your tooth feeling particularly sore when you eat? Does that discomfort linger, especially after eating sweets? You might be dealing with a cavity.

Cavities form when plaque and bacteria produce acids that break down your tooth enamel, eventually creating holes that can cause pain or sensitivity. If you notice dark spots on your teeth or tenderness, it's a good idea to visit your dentist. 

Not to sound like every nagging parent-slash-dentist, but regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups really do help prevent cavities from forming!

Sinus Issues

Did you know your tooth pain might not actually be from your teeth? 

Fun fact: Sinus infections can cause pressure that feels a lot like tooth pain, especially in your upper teeth. The tricky part is that an untreated tooth infection can also lead to sinus issues. If you're dealing with both, it's important to visit your dentist to figure out the root cause of your pain and get the right treatment for relief.

Gum Disease

Are your gums feeling a little off? 

Gum disease usually starts as gingivitis, which can cause mild symptoms like redness or swelling. If it's ignored, it can progress to periodontitis, causing more serious discomfort in your gums and teeth. The good news? Brushing, flossing, and mouthwash can help prevent it. But if you're noticing things like bleeding or swelling, it’s time to see your dentist. 

Gum disease can be sneaky. It may not hurt at first, but if left untreated, it can lead to tooth sensitivity, bad breath (the worst), bleeding gums, and even tooth loss. Regular dental care is key to keeping your gums healthy.

Damaged Tooth

Did you recently fall and hit your mouth? (Ouch!) Got hit by a random ball out of nowhere? (Yikes!) Bite down on that dried mango too hard?

It’s no surprise that these kinds of incidents can damage a tooth. If the ache is mild, it might fade on its own, but if it's severe or doesn't go away, it could signal an issue like a cracked or fractured tooth. 

When the damage reaches the nerve, it can lead to sudden, intense pain. If you suspect a cracked tooth, it’s crucial to visit your dentist—pronto. Treatments like a root canal and crown may be needed to protect the tooth.

Impacted Tooth

Does your mouth feel crowded or uncomfortable, especially in the back?

An impacted tooth, like a wisdom tooth, doesn’t fully emerge from the gums. This can cause pain, shift your teeth, or even damage the nearby ones.

Some words of wisdom: it might be wise to get your wisdom teeth checked. If you’re noticing discomfort or pressure back by those molars, an impacted tooth might be the cause. Your dentist can check for impaction and recommend the best solution to suit your dental needs.

Teeth Grinding

Are you waking up with a sore jaw or a headache? 

Teeth grinding (fancy name: bruxism) often happens while you sleep and can cause tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and even headaches. Stress is a major factor, but misalignment can also play a role. Grinding your teeth eventually wears down your enamel, causing—you guessed it—tooth pain. Though not the cutest dental accessory, wearing a mouthguard at night can help protect your teeth from grinding. Managing stress also makes a big difference.

TMJ Disorders

Is your jaw popping when you move it? 

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge-like joint connecting your jaw to your skull. Pain in this area can often be mistaken for tooth pain. If you find yourself dealing with jaw popping, tenderness, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth, TMJ disorders might be your culprit.

Psst… Have you considered Botox injections for your TMJ?

Beat the daily grind. At Swish Oral Care we offer Botox™ and Dysport™ to treat a variety of functional and aesthetic concerns, including jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and TMJ. The best way to determine if you are a candidate is to connect with our clinic for a free consultation to evaluate your treatment options!

Tooth Infection

Does your tooth feel like it's throbbing or overly sensitive? 

A tooth infection happens when the pulp, or nerve inside the tooth, becomes infected, often due to untreated cavities or injury. This infection can cause throbbing pain, swelling, and sensitivity. If left untreated, it could spread and cause even more damage. If you suspect an infection, it’s important to seek professional help immediately—root canals or extractions may be necessary.

Damaged Dental Restorations

Have you had previous dental restorations before? Accidents and bad oral habits can damage dental restorations. Your teeth can decay or weaken underneath, causing restoration failure. But don’t worry—a quick trip to the dentist can restore the restorations that restore your teeth.

Remember—toothbrushes and flosses make good weapons to fight off cavities and bacteria that can impact your oral health. But regular check-ups are important parts of your dental routine, too!

Got Tooth Pain? Find Relief Today!

If you're experiencing sudden tooth pain, don’t wait! Book in at Swish Oral Care today, and our team will help you pinpoint the cause and get those pearly whites nice and healthy again. You’ll be here for a good time, not a long time.