If you have a toothache, that does not necessarily mean you have a cavity. In fact, there are a number of possible reasons as to why your tooth may be in pain. Not sure what could be the cause? Here are a few possible health issues that could be to blame.
1. Dental pain could be a sign of gum disease.
While gum disease begins as only a minor infection, it can progress to a point of causing dental pain if left untreated. One symptom of periodontal disease is a receding gum line. When your gums pull back away from the teeth, it exposes the root of your tooth. This makes your teeth hypersensitive to outside stimuli, which can be quite painful. If you have gum disease, you will likely experience a number of symptoms in addition to dental pain, such as bleeding gums, halitosis, inflammation, and even loose teeth. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
2. You could possibly be grinding your teeth in your sleep.
If you experience chronic stress, you might be grinding your teeth in your sleep without even realizing it. This condition is known as bruxism, and it can lead to dental pain and a number of other oral health issues. When you grind your teeth, it wears down your dental enamel and ultimately exposes the dentin layer beneath. This layer has numerous microscopic pathways that lead directly to the nerve in the tooth, so it can make your tooth hypersensitive to heat and cold when it is exposed. If you grind your teeth, you might also experience tightness in your jaw, fractured or chipped teeth, popping sounds when you open your mouth, and pain in the face and neck. Thankfully, there are ways to protect your teeth from bruxism, so make sure you see your dentist about your symptoms earlier rather than later!
3. You may have damaged the tooth.
There are many ways to damage a tooth—from sports injuries to chewing on pen caps. Whether it is a minor injury, such as a chipped tooth, or more significant damage like a dislodged tooth, this could be the source of your dental pain. When you bring the issue to your dentist, they will assess the damage and determine the treatment that will relieve your dental pain and ideally salvage the tooth.
To ease your dental pain and protect your teeth from further oral health issues, make sure you visit a dentist as soon as possible. To schedule your appointment, call Valley Dental Care of Plainfield today!