Advertisements
Tooth pain can take many forms: Gnawing or throbbing. Sharp or shooting. Sore or radiating. But one thing is for sure — a toothache can make you miserable. But why do your teeth hurt, exactly?
Video of the Day
Here's what causes tooth pain in general: The innermost layer of your teeth — called the pulp — contains large blood vessels and nerves, which are some of the most sensitive in your body, according to the Cleveland Clinic. So when they become irritated, inflamed or infected, you're likely to experience a painful twinge in your teeth.
Here, New York State Dental Association member Christopher Calnon, DDS, shares some of the most common reasons why your teeth hurt along with tips to help you get to the root of your dental discomfort.
Tip
If you have a toothache, see your dentist right away. The longer you wait, the greater the problem — and the pain — can become.
1. You Have a Cavity
Superficial decay — which begins on the outside surface of the teeth, as tartar buildup or calcium deposits — generally causes no symptoms, Dr. Calnon says.
But sudden tooth pain can be a sign you have a cavity, because as the decay progresses in size and spreads inward to the inner core of the tooth (nearing the nerve), it can trigger a toothache or symptoms like sensitivity to sweets, heat or cold (more on this later), he says.
Fix it: A smaller cavity (i.e. superficial decay) is usually treated by placing a filling (a material used to fill in the area where your dentist removes the rot), while a tooth with larger decay may require a crown (a protective cap placed on top of the damaged tooth), Dr. Calnon says.
"But if the decay progresses to a point where it impacts the nerve of the tooth, it can cause infection, which leads to the need for either a root canal or extraction of the tooth," he says.
Why Do Your Teeth Hurt When You Run?
Cavities may also be to blame for tooth pain when you run (or do other exercise), as the repetitive movement can trigger pulsating pain in the affected area. Outside factors — like exposure to cold weather — can likewise make a cavity ache.
2. You Have a Damaged Filling
Dental fillings don't last forever. Unfortunately, due to time or habits (like grinding), they can become damaged or loose.
"Damaged fillings can lead to big problems, and patients may not know about it until it's too late," Dr. Calnon says. In other words, until they experience excruciating pain.
"A healthy filling has a good seal between the tooth and the filling itself," Dr. Calnon says. This prevents bacteria from getting underneath and causing more decay.
"But if a filling is damaged, the seal may be compromised," Dr. Calnon says. This means bacteria may enter and create decay. The problem is, because the filling is still in place, decay may go undetected and grow, he adds.
Advertisements
Fix it: Going to regular dental check-ups is a great way to catch this problem before it balloons into a bigger issue. Your dentist will want to replace the filling "as soon as possible to prevent more decay from happening," Dr. Calnon says.
Related Reading
6 Things Dentists Do Every Day to Protect Their Teeth
3. You Have a Sinus Infection
Have you ever been curious why your teeth hurt when you're sick or have a cold? Believe it or not, the reason all your teeth ache could be a side effect of sinus issues.
"Sinus infections can often mimic a toothache, especially on upper back teeth," Dr. Calnon says. That's because "pressure in the sinus cavity can be exerted on the nerves of nearby teeth, creating pain and sensitivity," he explains.
Fix it: Sinus infections are usually viral and clear up on their own in seven to 10 days, but you can try a few natural remedies to help you feel better in the meantime. If your symptoms don't improve in about 10 days, see your doctor, who may prescribe an antibiotic if they determine you're dealing with a bacterial infection.
"But if the sinus pressure is due to things like seasonal allergies, over-the-counter decongestants can sometimes help," Dr. Calnon says.
Related Reading
8 Things ENT Doctors Do When They Have a Sinus Infection
4. You Grind or Clench Your Teeth
If you're wondering why your teeth hurt at night or when you wake up, it could be the product of bruxism, a condition that happens when you unconsciously grind or clench your teeth.
"Grinding and clenching are very common and usually done at night when jaw movements cannot be consciously controlled," Dr. Calnon says.
Some people also grit their teeth during high-exertion activities like exercise, which is why your teeth may hurt when you bite down.
The problem is, "this [pressure] places far more force on the teeth than they are designed to receive," producing pain and sensitivity, Dr. Calnon says. Clenching can even cause cracked or chipped teeth and/or wear down your tooth enamel.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, other signs and symptoms of bruxism include:
- Facial pain
- Headaches
- Popping or clicking in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Fix it: To break the habit of bruxism, your dentist may make you a custom mouthguard to wear at night, Dr. Calnon says. These mouthpieces help absorb the force of biting and decrease damage to the teeth, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. (If a custom guard isn't in the budget, you can consider buying an over-the-counter night guard.)
Learning to incorporate stress-reduction techniques is also an essential part of treatment, as tooth-grinding and stress have a strong correlation, Dr. Calnon says.
