Why Does My Tooth Hurt?

June 15, 2021
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Having a toothache in Issaquah is not uncommon. In fact, according to surveys, more than twenty-two percent of adults have complained of pain in their teeth within the last six months. The best way to determine the source of your pain is to see a dentist and have your mouth checked.

Three of the most common reasons people experience tooth pain are tooth sensitivity, a cracked or chipped tooth, or an infection. Luckily, tooth pain can be remedied as long as the root cause is known. So, what could be the reason for your tooth pain?

Closeup of a woman with a Toothache Issaquah


What Causes Tooth Pain?

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity could happen when your enamel is worn down or the nerves within your tooth are exposed.

When this happens, you may experience a sharp, shooting pain whenever you consume food and drinks that have extremely high or low temperatures.

Gum Recession

Gum tissues are the layer of pinkish tissues surrounding your tooth roots. The purpose of your gums is to protect your teeth’ nerve endings. Unfortunately, as you age, your gum tissues will undergo wear and tear resulting in gum recession. 

When your gums recede, the tooth roots will be left exposed, increasing your risk of developing tooth infections and periodontal disease. If all of a sudden your teeth feel extra sensitive, it might be because of gum recession. 

Enamel Erosion 

Did you know that according to reports, at least twelve percent of the population suffers from dentin hypersensitivity? When a person has this condition, pain and discomfort are felt while eating. 

Enamel erosion can be caused by several factors, like using a hard-bristled toothbrush when cleaning your teeth or brushing your teeth too hard. Maybe you’re fond of eating and drinking acidic food and beverages. 

These factors contribute to the premature wear and tear of the protective layer of your teeth called the enamel. When your enamel is eroded you’ll feel a stabbing pain while biting into foods. 

Tooth Decay

A very common form of tooth decay is a cavity. When you have a cavity there’s a good chance you’ll experience pain in your teeth. At first, you may not feel anything, but as the decay progresses, you’ll eventually start to feel uncomfortable, especially if an infection is present. 

Gum Infection

Are you aware that nearly fifty percent of the American population suffers from periodontal, or gum, disease

If you don’t practice good oral hygiene at home, and if you don’t visit your dentist yearly for professional teeth cleaning and checkup, sooner or later you may experience gum disease. People with gum disease typically experience pain in both their teeth and gums. 

Woman at the dentist for a Toothache Issaquah


When Should You See a Dentist for Your Toothache in Issaquah?

The moment you experience pain in your teeth, you should let your dentist know about it. Don’t wait for the pain to worsen. If the pain is due to hypersensitivity, your dentist may suggest you use a toothpaste designed for tooth sensitivity. When the pain is caused by decay, a dental filling or a tooth extraction may be needed to relieve the pain.

Your dentist will customize your treatment plan based on the findings. Regardless of the cause, be thankful that tooth pain can be relieved and there is always a solution for it. 

If you’re looking for a dentist to resolve your tooth pain, we’re here for you. At Apex Dental Care, your oral health is our top priority. 

Decades of experience have allowed us to hone our skills and increase our knowledge in providing streamlined treatment plans for our patients to restore their health. For questions and inquiries, don’t’ hesitate to call us for more information. 

Everything you need for an amazing smile

The APEX Dental Care team can’t wait to see you!

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