What Causes Tooth Pain? 5 Possible Reasons to Book an Exam

Tooth pain is your body's alarm system signaling that something needs attention. While that sudden sharp pain or persistent ache might seem like just an inconvenience, it often indicates underlying issues that can worsen without proper treatment. At Silver State Smiles, we've seen how early intervention can mean the difference between a simple filling and a root canal, or worse, tooth loss.

Understanding what's causing your tooth pain helps you make informed decisions about seeking treatment. Let's explore the five most common culprits behind dental discomfort and why each warrants a professional examination.

1. Tooth Decay (Cavities): The Silent Progression

Tooth decay starts silently as bacteria feed on sugars and produce acid that erodes your tooth enamel. By the time you feel pain, the decay has likely progressed through the enamel into the sensitive dentin layer beneath.

Warning Signs:

• Sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks
• Visible holes or dark spots on teeth
• Pain when biting down
• Spontaneous pain without any trigger

Small cavities are simple to fix with fillings, but untreated decay spreads deeper into the tooth, potentially reaching the nerve and requiring more extensive (and expensive) treatment like root canals or crowns. We use advanced digital imaging to detect cavities in their earliest stages, often before you feel any discomfort. Early detection means minimally invasive treatment and preserving more of your natural tooth structure.

2. Gum Disease: More Than Just Bleeding Gums

Gum disease begins as gingivitis (gum inflammation) and can progress to periodontitis, where the infection attacks the bones and tissues supporting your teeth. The pain often manifests as a dull ache or throbbing sensation.

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Gums pulling away from teeth
• Loose teeth or changes in bite

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Early-stage gum disease is reversible, but advanced periodontitis causes permanent damage.

3. Dental Abscess: A True Dental Emergency

An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection, typically occurring at the tooth root or in the gums. This infection can spread rapidly to other parts of your body if left untreated.

Dental abscesses are genuine emergencies. The infection can spread to your jaw, neck, and even your brain. In rare cases, untreated abscesses can be life-threatening.

4. Cracked or Fractured Teeth: The Hidden Damage

Cracks in teeth can result from grinding, clenching, trauma, or even biting on hard foods. These cracks may be invisible to the naked eye but can cause significant pain, especially when chewing or when exposed to temperature extremes.

• Pain when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Pain that comes and goes
• Swelling around the affected tooth
• Discomfort when releasing bite pressure

5. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): The Nighttime Destroyer

Many people grind or clench their teeth during sleep without realizing it. This constant pressure wears down enamel, strains jaw muscles, and can cause chronic pain that often gets mistaken for other dental issues.

• Morning jaw pain or stiffness
• Dull headaches starting at the temples
• Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Tired or tight jaw muscles
• Partner complaints about grinding sounds

Chronic grinding can cause permanent damage to teeth, TMJ disorders, and severe chronic pain. It can also crack existing dental work like fillings and crowns.

When to See Silver State Smiles

• Pain lasting more than 1-2 days
• Severe pain that disrupts sleep or daily activities
• Facial swelling
• Fever accompanying tooth pain
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Pain when biting or chewing

Remember, tooth pain rarely resolves on its own. What starts as minor discomfort can quickly escalate into a serious health issue. The team at Silver State Smiles specializes in gentle, compassionate care for patients experiencing dental pain.

Take Action Today

Tooth pain is your mouth's way of asking for help. Whether you're experiencing sharp, shooting pain or a dull, persistent ache, the experienced team at Silver State Smiles is here to provide relief and restore your oral health.

Don't let tooth pain control your life. Call Silver State Smiles today to schedule your comprehensive examination. We'll identify the cause of your discomfort and create a personalized treatment plan to get you back to smiling confidently and pain-free.

Early intervention not only saves you from pain but also saves your teeth—and your wallet—from more extensive procedures down the road.