Tooth pain can strike at any time, but not all aches are the same. Some come and go, while others stick around and worsen. Thankfully, the type of discomfort you feel can give clues about the cause, whether it’s a minor issue or something that needs immediate attention. Continue reading to learn what different kinds of tooth pain might mean and when to see your dentist.
Sharp or Stabbing Pain
A sudden, sharp pain in your tooth usually signals a problem with your enamel or the nerves beneath. While not every case is an emergency, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Common causes of this kind of pain include:
- Cavities: Decay that has reached the inner layers of your tooth can trigger pain due to inflammation.
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth: A break in your enamel exposes the sensitive areas within to bacteria, leading to an infection that causes discomfort.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Worn enamel or gum recession can make teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods temporarily.
Throbbing or Pulsing Pain
Is your tooth throbbing or pulsing? This is often a sign of infection or inflammation. In almost every case, it’s best to see your dentist as soon as possible, especially if the pain becomes distracting. Here’s what could be happening:
- An Abscessed Tooth: A bacterial infection in the root can cause swelling, pus buildup, and severe pain that can turn deadly if left untreated.
- Gum Infection: Inflamed or infected gums can lead to deep, radiating discomfort in your whole mouth.
- Sinus Pressure: Sinus infections or allergies are often mistaken for toothaches because of the pressure they can create in the upper jaw.
Dull, Persistent Ache
A constant, mild “achy” feeling isn’t usually a sign of a dental emergency, but it shouldn’t be ignored, either! This type of pain could stem from:
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Clenching or grinding your teeth, especially at night, can wear down enamel and strain jaw muscles.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Pressure from unerupted wisdom teeth can cause a lingering discomfort until they’re addressed.
- Mild Tooth Decay: Early-stage cavities may cause a dull ache before progressing into more severe pain.
Even with this knowledge at hand, it can still be difficult to know when you should see a dentist. But, when in doubt, go ahead and schedule an appointment! While occasional sensitivity isn’t always an emergency, lingering or severe pain should never be ignored. If your toothache lasts more than a day, worsens, or comes with swelling or fever, call your dentist right away.
About the Author
Dr. Niki Jayswal is a passionate dentist with a doctorate from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. Today, she continues to expand her skills through advanced courses in fields like laser dentistry, clear aligner orthodontics, and dental implants. If you’re in pain and need a helping hand, Dr. Jayswal has your back. Call (972) 366-4452 to schedule an emergency appointment at Nexus Dental or visit our website to explore other services.