Tooth pain does not necessarily mean that you are due to have a cavity filled. There are a number of reasons why you might be experiencing tooth pain. That is why you should consider and be attentive to what type of pain it is, where it is coming from and when it is happening.

To help you pinpoint the issue and avoid experiencing unnecessary anxiety, consult a dentist at the Upland Dental Group & Implant Center. Call us at (909) 985-1966 to arrange a consultation today.

1. You are brushing too hard
   Of course it is important to maintain your oral health by brushing your teeth regularly and at least twice a day, but applying too much pressure or brushing aggressively can actually lead to more problems and pain: Gum recession.Brushing too hard can wear away at the actual tooth structure and cause the gums to recede, so the normally covered root of the tooth is exposed. Symptoms of this include extreme sensitivity to eating and drinking cold items, due to the root being exposed. While you can’t undo the damage caused by the over-brushing, you can make an appointment with a dentist who can place tooth-colored fillings on the areas where the tooth has worn away.  The best way to avoid this outcome is to invest in a high quality electronic toothbrush or a manual extra-soft bristled brush and not to apply as much pressure.
2. You have a gum infection
   If you have periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, you are not alone in that. Nearly half the US adult population 30 and older has mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.If you don’t have it yet, you can contract it when germs or bacteria enter the teeth or gum area and multiply to a point where the body cannot fight off the bad bacteria. This infection can cause pain or swelling, a small pimple above the tooth or area, the release of puss, or even a bad taste in the mouth.  At the first sign of any of these symptoms, call your dentist right away.
3. You may have experienced tooth trauma
   You may have recently experienced an impact on the mouth can result in tooth trauma, even from years ago. This can be from anything from falling and hitting the teeth, to being in a car accident, or to chewing on some type of food that traumatizes the tooth. The tooth trauma and fracture can lead to increased pain and sensitivity when chewing, this causes the tooth to flex and irritates the nerve endings within the tooth.If the tooth has died as a result of the trauma signs would include: discoloration, and temperature sensitivity. A root canal and crown is typically treatment for a dead tooth. If it must be removed, then implanting a bridge or removable appliance like a partial denture would be the next step.
4. You have a severe sinus infection
   Especially during allergy and flu season, sinus infections can cause pain in the mouth. The inflamed sinuses can put pressure on the teeth as the sinuses sit directly above the teeth. Luckily this can be easily solved with a decongestant and possibly an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor.
5. You may grind or clench your teeth while sleeping
   Grinding your teeth while asleep can cause a fractured or loose tooth, so it is important to have your teeth evaluated by a dentist so that they can examine the way your teeth fit together. An imbalance in your bite can cause problems like tooth and muscle pain.The way to treat this can be as simple as a night mouth-guard  which assists in removing forces off of some teeth and placing the forces evenly throughout the oral cavity.
6. You recently had some dental work done
   You may continue to notice sharp sensitivity when biting down in the area that you had work done. It is very common to experience sensitivity when you bite, especially on cold or hard substances, you may have to adjust so you chew evenly.You may have to schedule a follow-up visit so that your dentist can check on the bite and make minor adjustments to alleviate the pain.
7. You have a cracked tooth
   A cracked tooth can be caused by a number of things, including biting into something hard that causes the tooth to crack, an injury from an impact, or clenching and grinding. If the crack, the tooth pain could be experienced when biting down, chewing or even drinking something hot or cold. Visit your dentist right away if you think your tooth may be cracked so that you can get it addressed right away.

If you are experiencing tooth pain and want to see what treatment options are best for you, give the Upland Dental Group & Implant Center a call at (909) 985-1966 to schedule an appointment today.