Why Does My Tooth Hurt? Top 5 Dental Issues Explained
Tooth pain can be frustrating, but it’s often a sign of an issue that needs professional care. Whether the ache comes and goes or hits you suddenly when you bite or drink, it’s your mouth’s way of saying it needs help. Ignoring it usually leads to more discomfort, more damage, and a bigger bill later on.
In most cases, the pain is coming from inside the tooth or the tissue around it. The nerve could be inflamed, irritated, or exposed, and the longer you wait, the more serious the issue becomes.
To help you get some clarity, here are five problems that often cause tooth pain, along with the symptoms that usually come with them.
1. Tooth Decay (Cavities)
This is the top reason people get toothaches. Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth mix with food and sugars, creating acid. That acid slowly wears down the enamel, the protective outer layer of your tooth. Once that barrier is broken down, the acid reaches deeper parts of the tooth and starts causing real damage.
Symptoms:
At the beginning, you might not feel anything at all. But as the decay gets closer to the nerve, you may feel a sudden jolt of pain when eating sweets, or a sting when drinking something hot or cold. You might even start avoiding chewing on one side of your mouth. That’s your sign to get it checked before it gets worse.
2. Gum Disease (Gingivitis or Periodontitis)
Gum disease starts when plaque and bacteria build up along the gumline. If not removed, this buildup irritates the gums and causes them to pull away from your teeth. That exposes the roots of your teeth, which aren’t protected by enamel and are much more sensitive.
Symptoms:
Your gums may feel sore or bleed when brushing. As the gums pull back, your teeth can feel loose or achy, especially when eating or drinking. You might also notice bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. While easy to overlook early on, these symptoms often lead to more serious gum damage if ignored.
3. Cracked or Broken Tooth
A cracked tooth might come from biting something hard, an accident, or even from grinding your teeth at night without realizing it. Even a small crack can let bacteria or pressure reach the nerve, causing sudden, sharp pain.
Symptoms:
Pain when biting down, especially when releasing, is a common sign of a cracked tooth. The pain can come and go, and sometimes it’s hard to tell exactly which tooth is causing it. You may also feel sensitivity to hot or cold foods. The tricky part is that some cracks aren’t visible, so you won’t always see the damage, but you’ll definitely feel it.
4. Dental Abscess (Infection)
An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. This usually happens when a cavity or crack is left untreated and the bacteria reach the tooth’s pulp. The infection can then spread beyond the tooth, leading to swelling and pressure that’s extremely painful.
Symptoms:
This kind of pain shouldn’t be ignored, it’s often deep, throbbing, and persistent. Your face or jaw might swell, and you may feel feverish or sick. You might also notice a bad taste in your mouth. Dental abscesses are serious and require immediate treatment to stop the infection from spreading further.
5. Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
Grinding your teeth, especially while you sleep, puts constant stress on your teeth, enamel, and jaw. Over time, this can wear down the surface of your teeth, inflame the nerve inside, and lead to chronic pain and sensitivity.
Symptoms:
A general ache in multiple teeth, sore jaw muscles, or headaches when you wake up are all signs of grinding. Your teeth might also become sensitive or start to look flat or worn down. This problem often goes unnoticed until the damage is already done.
Don’t Wait for Tooth Pain to Get Worse
Tooth pain is never something to ignore. Even minor discomfort often signals a deeper issue, and the sooner it’s treated, the easier and more affordable it becomes to fix. Waiting only gives the problem time to grow.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or require expert care, we offer trusted, full-service dental care in Delta at Tsawwassen Orthodontics & Periodontics.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable dentist in Ladner, a modern dental clinic, or advanced orthodontics treatment, our experienced team is here to help. From routine checkups to personalized plans at our welcoming dental centre in Delta, we make every visit easy and comfortable.
Need professional support nearby? Our orthodontic clinic is your go-to for compassionate, high-quality local dental care in Ladner and beyond. Our full range of dental services is designed to support long-term oral health with skilled orthodontists and personalized care at every step inside a trusted dental center.
Book your appointment today and discover why so many families trust our dental center for their long-term dental care needs.