To maintain your oral health, dentists recommend brushing and flossing twice a day and scheduling professional teeth cleanings every six months. In addition to embracing these preventative care methods, understanding the root cause of issues like tooth pain is highly encouraged, so you know when to seek professional help. Here are a few common reasons why you experience tooth pain to help you recognize whether a visit to your dental clinic is necessary. 

4 Common Tooth Pain Causes 

1. Cracked Tooth

If you notice a sharp, throbbing pain when chewing, this could indicate a crack or chip in your tooth created by dental trauma or crunching on hard foods. This sharp pain should not be ignored, as a cracked tooth left unattended could get worse and become infected, resulting in the need for root canal treatment. A dentist can evaluate the damage and find an appropriate course of action to eliminate discomfort and salvage the tooth. 

2. Grinding

Stress and anxiety may manifest as teeth grinding while you sleep. Ongoing grinding can lead to myriad issues that include wearing down your enamel and constant jaw pain or mouth soreness throughout the day. Luckily, a dentist can fit you with custom mouthguards to wear while you sleep in hopes of curbing this habit. 

3. Impacted Wisdom Tooth

For many dental patients, there is not sufficient room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to grow in. As a result, they can become impacted against your molars as they attempt to erupt from the gumline. This can create gum irritation and a throbbing pain as the wisdom teeth push against neighboring molars. A dentist will likely perform wisdom teeth extraction to prevent further discomfort and changes in your smile.

4. Decay

The bacteria present in plaque can slowly wear down your tooth enamel and decay the sensitive root underneath, causing cavities. One of the main symptoms indicating you have a cavity is tooth pain, particularly when you consume hot or cold beverages. 

Since opening their clinic in 1997, Preventive Dental Services PC has provided top-notch dental care to families throughout the Kenai Peninsula, AK, with compassion and dedication. To schedule an appointment at this state-of-the-art practice, call their Homer office at (907) 235-1286. For more information on their comprehensive services, whether you’re experiencing tooth pain or you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry to enhance the appearance of your smile, visit their website.