When your tooth hurts, it’s usually a sign of trouble, but the exact cause behind it might not be obvious. Unless your tooth was recently damaged from an injury, finding the cause of your toothache could require a thorough examination from your Milford dentist. In the meantime, we discuss the most common causes behind tooth sensitivity, and why you should seek professional treatment as soon as your tooth starts to hurt.
Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Cavities, or holes in your teeth, are the result of a bacterial infection called tooth decay. As bacteria erode your tooth’s structure, the growing cavity exposes your teeth’s nerves, housed in a hollow chamber (pulp) at the center of the tooth. Before a cavity develops, however, your tooth may become sensitive as the protective layer of enamel surrounding it grows weak (usually from poor hygiene). Seeking treatment for your toothache early can help prevent extensive damage by stopping the cavity from developing, or progressing.
Cracked, Fractured, or Broken Tooth
When a piece of your tooth breaks off, or the tooth is cracked or fractured, you may or may not notice the damage, depending on its location and severity. Even if it doesn’t hurt at first, though, a damaged tooth is automatically a weaker tooth, and the pressures from biting and chewing can eventually wear it down enough to cause moderate to severe pain. If ignored, the crack or break can grow worse, and in extreme cases, the tooth might require an extraction and replacement by the time you visit the dentist.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, affects the soft, pink tissue surrounding the roots of your teeth, rather than your teeth themselves. Nevertheless, it is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss, mainly because it destroys the gum tissue and jawbone structure that support your teeth. One of the early signs of gum disease is gum recession, which describes the separation of your gums from your teeth (creating pockets). Since your teeth’s roots are connected to their nerves, the exposure can lead to varying degrees of tooth sensitivity, and should prompt you to seek immediate treatment.
To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling our office at (203) 878-6699. The specialists at Sensitive Care Cosmetic & Family Dentistry proudly serve patients and their families in Milford, Stratford, West Haven, New Haven, and all surrounding communities.