Tooth pain can range from mildly distracting to completely debilitating. Some toothaches resolve themselves, but frequently, this kind of pain is an indication of a deeper issue that requires dental treatment. Some toothaches can be an indication of a serious medical emergency.

Toothaches occur for many different reasons. Here are seven main causes of tooth pain:

Tooth Decay
The most common cause of tooth pain is tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth feeds on sugars and starches, and forms plaque—a white coating that sticks to the tooth. Over time, this tooth decay—or cavity—can become painful, especially when you eat something sweet, very cold, or very hot.

Cavities are very common and usually easily treated. Call Stallings Dental for an appointment and Dr. Stallings can see if the pain is an indication of a cavity that needs to be treated. An early appointment can help limit the decay, which could eventually lead to a root canal or require the tooth to be removed.

Inflammation or infection
Bacteria can find its way between the gums and teeth, and cause inflammation and infection in the tissue there. This infection can spread and cause a pocket of pus, or an abscess, to form on the gum-line. The tooth pain can also be caused by a sinus infection, which is often caused by a cold or allergies.

In cases of infection, antibiotics is often required. If left untreated, tooth infections can cause fever, severe pain, and can lead to serious health complications.

Food and Debris Between Teeth
If your teeth have spaces between them, food can accumulate there. These gaps, or “food traps,” fuel tooth decay and can cause inflammation or even gum disease. Daily flossing can help to clear these food traps and stave off inflammation.

Trauma to the Tooth
Injuries to the tooth—such as grinding, clenching, biting hard food, or getting hit in the face—can cause bruised ligaments. Dull or achy pain, or sharp localized pain in one tooth, can be an indication of a tooth sprain, bruise, or crack.

If you have problems with grinding or clenching, Stallings Dental can provide you with a mouthguard. Wearing a mouthguard at night can help to prevent tooth trauma and stop tooth pain. Similarly, a custom sports mouthguard can protect your teeth from a sports-related accident.

A Damaged Filling
Unfortunately, dental fillings don’t last forever. Though made of durable materials, they are still susceptible to damage, just like a regular tooth, and eventually must be replaced. Increased tooth sensitivity and sudden pain in a previously treated tooth could be an indication that the filling is falling out or the tooth is once again developing decay. If you think a filling is causing your teeth pain, call Stallings Dental. Dr. Stallings will examine the filling and replace it, if needed.

Impacted teeth
When a tooth is impacted—or stuck in the gum tissue or bone—it can cause intense pain. This typically happens with wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, Dr. Stallings can refer you to an oral surgeon, who can remove the teeth for you.