The Causes of Tooth & Gum Pain

Tooth and gum pain can range from a mild, nagging discomfort to sharp, intense aches that disrupt daily life. While it’s tempting to hope the pain will go away on its own, it’s often a sign that something is wrong and may require attention from our dental professionals.Understanding the potential causes of oral pain can help you take the right steps to treat it early and avoid more serious complications.

Tooth Decay

One of the most common causes of tooth pain is tooth decay. When plaque builds up on the teeth and is not removed effectively through brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities.As the decay progresses, it can affect deeper layers of the tooth, reaching the nerve and causing significant discomfort, particularly when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet.

Gum Disease

Pain in the gums is often linked to gum disease, which ranges from gingivitis, mild inflammation, to periodontitis, a more severe form that can damage the bone supporting your teeth.Common signs include red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing, and persistent bad breath. In advanced cases, gum disease can cause pain, recession, and even tooth loss.

Abscesses or Infections

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. This can occur within the tooth or in the gums.These infections are often very painful and can cause swelling in the face or jaw, sensitivity to pressure, and a throbbing pain that may radiate to the ear or neck. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent the infection from spreading.

Tooth Fractures or Cracks

A cracked or fractured tooth can result from biting something hard, a fall, or even gradual wear and tear. These breaks can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, causing pain when chewing or when the tooth is exposed to temperature changes.

Impacted Teeth

Wisdom teeth, in particular, can become impacted if they don’t have enough room to emerge properly. This can lead to pressure, pain in surrounding teeth, and inflammation in the gums at the back of the mouth.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Often occurring during sleep, grinding or clenching the teeth can cause pain in the teeth and gums due to repeated pressure and strain. It may also lead to jaw pain and headaches.Tooth and gum pain should never be ignored. Booking an appointment with our dentists in Kettering as soon as possible for any persistent discomfort is essential to diagnose the issue and provide prompt, effective treatment.Early intervention can prevent small problems from becoming more complex and painful in the future.