Studies show that every 1 in 6 adults suffers from some sort of toothache. So it’s not an overstatement to say that almost every person has experienced tooth pain in their lifetime. But it in no way dims the light of the truth that a toothache that comes out of nowhere can be jarring. Life might feel like a rollercoaster ride. One moment you’re fine, the next you’re moaning in pain while eating your favorite dish, and wondering what went wrong. 

If you’re on the same stage, let’s be clear that sudden dental pain can be your body’s way of waving a red flag. It means something needs attention, and fast. So let’s check out the potential root cause behind this tooth pain: 

Tooth Decay That’s Gone Deep

It’s easy to skip cavities as they often start quietly. You may not even notice, and they eat through your enamel. As the decay remains hidden for too long, you may not even notice, and it reaches the inner dentin or pulp.  And when it happens, the pain gets loud and clear. The nagging discomfort from warm or cold drinks is often the first real sign that reveals something’s wrong. 

A Cracked or Fractured Tooth

Biting down on hard food or items or grinding your teeth at night can cause hairline cracks in your teeth. While these tiny fractures usually remain invisible, they can make your tooth highly sensitive. You might feel sharp pain while chewing or drinking cold water. That’s your tooth reacting to pressure and temperature changes.

Gum Recession and Sensitivity

Lack of an oral hygiene routine can worsen your gum health and stop it from doing its job. Gums protect the roots of your teeth. But the loss of gum tissues lets the roots get exposed. As a thick layer of enamel doesn’t shield these roots, they’re quick to react to hot, cold, or acidic foods. The result? Intense tooth pain that often shows up as a stinging or tingling sensation.

Sinus Infections

Our dental structure is complicated. While you might blame your teeth for the excruciating pain, do you know sinus pressure can be the culprit as well? Swollen sinuses press on the upper molars and lead to tooth pain that feels dull, spread out, and can shift sides.

Abscess or Infection

A dental abscess is serious. It’s a pocket of pus that can be the result of unhealed decay or trauma. It requires urgent dental care from an emergency dentist in Justin to help you get relief from the intense, throbbing pain. This pain can even reach your jaw, ear, or neck with swelling. Infections can rapidly get out of hand and cause worse health problems.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Most people with bruxism do so at night. So even the person himself may not know he grinds his teeth. But your jaw surely mirrors the stress it goes through at night. Constant clenching leads to jaw pain, tooth cracks, and enamel wear. If your teeth feel sore in the morning or your jaw feels tight, bruxism might be the cause.

What To Do Next

If you’re experiencing a sudden toothache, don’t brush it off. Even if it goes away, the underlying cause may be progressing quietly. A dental checkup can identify the issue before it becomes more difficult to treat. Pain is a clue. Let a dentist check it out before it becomes difficult to treat.