If you’ve ever suffered from a toothache, your immediate thought may have been that you have a cavity. While cavities are usually the source of most toothaches, there are also several other culprits of tooth pain. At Jeanne Rowland, DDS’s dental clinic, with locations in Beloit and Milton, WI, you can get the help you need from experienced dentists.

3 Causes of Tooth Pain

Sensitive Teeth 

Many people experience a sharp, sudden pain when they eat or drink items that are particularly hot or cold. While cavities do produce this reaction, the sensitivity could also be due to receding gums. Another cause of sensitive teeth is tooth enamel that has thinned. In both cases, the surface underneath the gums and teeth, known as the dentin, becomes exposed, and there is less protection between your teeth and roots and what you eat. This, in turn, leads to pain when eating or drinking. To manage the pain, change your dental care routine by switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and using toothpaste specially meant for sensitive teeth. Getting a dentist to check your teeth can help confirm the cause of the pain.

Cracked Teeth

Tooth pain that is particularly sharp, and comes in pangs, can be a result of not just a cavity, but also a cracked tooth. If the pain is more throbbing and constant, the tooth could be abscessed, which means that there is an infection at the root between the gum and the tooth. Both conditions indicate trauma to the tooth and should be addressed by a dentist as soon as possible before the tooth is damaged further or the infection spreads. Cracked teeth can be treated with dental crowns, while abscessed teeth may need root canals.

Non-Dental Issues 

At times, having tooth pain may have nothing to do with your dental care routine or eroding teeth at all. Sinus infections and congested nasal passages can sometimes make upper teeth hurt. If your jaw is in pain, you may be prone to unconsciously grinding your teeth, or it may be a sign that your wisdom teeth need to be removed. Rarely, jaw pain is also caused by cancer or arthritis.

While tooth pain doesn’t always need to indicate a serious problem, it can become serious if it’s not addressed quickly. Make sure you’re getting right down to the root of the pain as soon as you experience it by making an appointment at your local dental clinic. For more dental care tips or to see a dentist in the Beloit or Milton areas, contact Jeanne Rowland, DDS at (608) 868-4500 or visit her website.