Having a toothache certainly isn’t an enjoyable experience. Tooth pain can be subtle to the point it’s easy to ignore, or it can be excruciating to the point where you can’t eat or drink without experiencing severe pain. No matter where you are on the spectrum, if you have unexpected tooth pain, there is probably something going on in your mouth that you need to have taken care of. While there are many causes, here are some of the most common reasons you may be experiencing tooth pain.

  1. Cavities

Cavities are one of the most common reasons why people experience tooth pain. Since a cavity is really tooth decay that has gotten severe, it is no wonder that having a cavity can cause a large amount of oral discomfort. While you may not feel pain from a cavity at first, you will certainly start to feel it if it is allowed to grow. If you suspect you have a cavity, it’s wise to get in to see your dentist as soon as possible. Left untreated, cavities can quickly turn into much more painful and costly issues.

  1. Brushing Too Hard

Brushing everyday, twice a day, is recommended and a great way to stay on top of your oral health. If you end up brushing a little bit too hard over a long period of time, you may start to feel the effects. Brushing too hard can eventually cause your gums to recede. As your gums cover up the roots of your teeth, you will certainly begin to feel pain when you eat and drink if the roots become exposed. If you suspect your gums may be receding from brushing too hard or you have noticed them begin to get smaller while experiencing tooth pain, get in to see your dentist as soon as possible.

  1. Nighttime Tooth Grinding

Grinding your teeth is a common issue many people have while sleeping. When your jaw clenches in your mouth all night and your teeth grind against each other, you can expect to feel some discomfort the next day. If this happens frequently, your teeth can wear each other down and you will eventually feel some tooth pain. If you think this may be happening to you, get in to see your dentist to learn about the options for tooth grinding.

  1. Cracked Teeth

We tend to think of our teeth as nearly indestructible, but this isn’t the case. Teeth can crack from eating hard items, grinding teeth, or due to an injury. If you think you may have cracked your tooth and are feeling the effects, get in to see your dentist to get things taken care of.

If you have unusual tooth pain for any reason, get in to see your dentist to get things figured out. If you are looking for a great dentist in Metro Detroit, visit www.thegentledentist.com today to make your appointment!