Ouch! Why Your Tooth Hurts and What to Do About It

"The only time you think about your teeth is when they hurt."

It's a universal truth. When a toothache strikes, it can turn your world upside down. It makes it hard to eat, talk, or think about anything else. That throbbing, sharp, or dull ache signals that something is wrong, and you should never ignore it. If you live in Hammond, IN, and are dealing with tooth pain, you might wonder what's causing it and where to find help quickly. This blog post will guide you through the common reasons for tooth pain and how a trusted and professional tooth pain dentist in Hammond, IN, can provide the relief you need.

Why Is My Tooth Hurting?

Tooth pain is your body's way of telling you there is a problem. Pain is a symptom, but the underlying cause can vary. Here are some of the most common reasons for tooth pain:

Tooth Decay (Cavities) 

This is likely the most common cause. When bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel, they create a hole, or cavity. If left untreated, the decay can reach the inner nerve of the tooth, causing significant pain.

Gum Disease 

Gum disease is an infection of the gums. As it progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing sensitive roots. This can lead to a lot of pain and sensitivity.

A Cracked or Broken Tooth 

This can occur from an injury, chewing something hard, or just from wear and tear. A crack can expose the sensitive inner part of the tooth, leading to sharp pain when you bite down or when the tooth encounters hot or cold temperatures.

Dental Abscess 

This serious condition happens when a pocket of pus forms at the tip of a tooth's root due to a bacterial infection. An abscess can cause intense, throbbing pain and swelling. It requires immediate professional attention.

Sensitive Teeth 

Some people have naturally sensitive teeth. Sudden sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks could indicate a larger issue, like worn enamel or exposed roots.

Worn-Down Fillings or Dental Work 

An old or damaged filling can become loose, creating a gap where bacteria can enter and cause decay or pain.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth 

When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to erupt, they can get trapped in the jawbone. This can lead to severe pain, pressure, and swelling in the back of your mouth.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) 

Grinding your teeth, especially at night, can wear them down and put a lot of pressure on them, leading to general tooth and jaw pain.

Don't Wait! Why "Toughing It Out" Is a Bad Idea 

It’s tempting to tough it out or rely on over-the-counter pain relievers, but that's unwise. Tooth pain is not something to ignore. The issue causing the pain will almost always worsen over time. Ignoring it could lead to:

●       Worsening infection - A small cavity can develop into a severe infection that spreads to other parts of your body.

●       Tooth loss - If the underlying issue isn’t treated, you could lose the tooth.

●       Emergency dental visit - The pain might become so unbearable that you'll have no choice but to seek emergency care.

A tooth pain dentist Hammond IN, can accurately diagnose the cause of your pain and provide the right treatment to stop the pain and resolve the underlying issue.

How a Dentist Can Help 

When you visit a dentist for tooth pain, they will perform a thorough examination, which may include taking X-rays to identify the exact cause of your discomfort. Once they have a diagnosis, they can suggest a treatment plan. Here are some common procedures that can relieve tooth pain:

●       Fillings: For a simple cavity.

●       Root Canal Therapy: For a tooth with an infected or inflamed nerve. This procedure cleans out the infection and saves the tooth.

●       Tooth Extraction: If a tooth is too damaged to save, it may need to be removed.

●       Antibiotics: For a dental abscess or other infections.

●       Custom Night Guard: For those who grind their teeth.

FAQs

What is the most common reason for a toothache?

A: The most common cause of a toothache is a cavity (tooth decay). When the decay reaches the inner nerve of the tooth, it can cause significant pain.

My tooth hurts, but it's not a constant pain. Should I still see a dentist?

A: Yes. Any kind of tooth pain—whether it's a constant ache, a sharp pang when you bite down, or sensitivity to hot and cold—is a sign that something is wrong. The underlying problem, like a cavity or gum disease, will only get worse if you ignore it.

What's the difference between a normal toothache and a dental emergency?

A: While all toothaches should be checked by a dentist, a dental emergency involves severe, throbbing pain, swelling in your face or gums, or signs of an abscess (a pocket of pus). These symptoms require immediate professional attention to prevent the infection from spreading.

Will a pain reliever fix my toothache?

A: Pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage the pain temporarily, but they don't fix the underlying issue. A pill won't heal a cavity or treat a gum infection. You still need to see an expert tooth pain dentist in Hammond, IN, to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Say Goodbye to Toothaches in Hammond, IN! 

If you’re suffering from a toothache, don’t endure the pain. Looking for a dentist for tooth pain near me? Meet us! The team at Hammond Dental Group is here to offer the relief you need. We understand that tooth pain can be frightening, so we are committed to seeing patients with urgent needs quickly. Our experienced and caring dentists are experts at diagnosing the source of your pain and providing effective, gentle treatment.

Whether you need a simple filling, a root canal, or an emergency extraction, our modern office is ready to handle all your dental needs. We believe in open communication and will always explain your treatment options clearly, so you can make an informed decision about your oral health.

Don't let a toothache control your life. Take the first step toward relief by contacting us today. To get the help you need, call Hammond Dental Group at (219) 803-6165. We're here to help you regain your pain-free smile.