We provide comprehensive solutions for tooth pain in Jacksonville, FL. Whether that means helping you manage your sensitivity or addressing a dental emergency, we’re here to help you enjoy a comfortable smile so you can live your life to the fullest.
This is a list of 5 common types of tooth pain, likely causes, and when to call a dentist.Tooth Pain Vs. Sensitive Teeth: What’s the Difference?
Many people have sensitive teeth, and it can be hard to tell the difference between “normal” sensitivity and tooth pain that’s a cause for concern. Sensitive teeth usually cause a quick, sharp discomfort when something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic touches the tooth. The feeling fades shortly after the trigger is gone and does not linger. Tooth paintends to last longer, happen without a clear trigger, or come back repeatedly. It can feel sharp, throbbing, achey, or constant. It’s always worth getting in touch with our team about pain that interferes with eating, sleeping, or daily life. Here are a few types of pain that may need an urgent dental appointment.1. Sharp Pain When Biting or Chewing
This type of pain often feels sudden and intense, but only when pressure is applied. You may notice it when biting into food or chewing on one side of your mouth. If pressure causes tooth pain, it can point to a problem below the surface of the tooth or an issue with how the teeth are fitting together. Common causes for pain when biting include:- Cracks
- Deep tooth decay
- Abscess or infection
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Gum disease
- It happens more than once
- Lasts more than two weeks after an unexpected hard bite
- Comes with intense, throbbing pain or extreme sensitivity
- There is swelling in the gums or face
- There is physical damage to the tooth
- You have signs of infection
2. Lingering Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
Cold is one of the most common triggers for tooth sensitivity. Brief cold sensitivity is usually not an emergency, but it may be worth taking steps to manage it. Pain that lingers after the heat or cold source is gone may point to something more serious. This type of discomfort can last several seconds or longer and may feel like it’s coming from deeper inside the tooth. Lingering sensitivity, especially to heat, is often a sign that your tooth needs professional attention, especially if it continues or gets worse over time. In some cases, this type of tooth pain can indicate problems with the nerve of your tooth, in which case you may need root canal treatment to prevent the tissue inside the tooth from becoming infected. When to Call a Dentist:- Your sensitivity is severe
- Your teeth suddenly become sensitive
- It’s localized to one specific tooth
- It takes several seconds for the feeling to go away
- There is physical damage to the tooth
- The tooth was injured in the past (even a long time ago)
3. Constant or Throbbing Tooth Pain
A steady ache or throbbing sensation is one of the clearest signs that something is not right. This type of pain may come on gradually or suddenly and often gets worse rather than better. Constant pain is your body’s way of telling you the tooth needs care. Waiting rarely makes it go away on its own, and may actually make the problem worse. Throbbing tooth pain can come from a wide range of issuesincluding cracks, tooth decay, and infections. It can also be referred from other areas of the face or jaws. When to Call a Dentist:- The pain is persistent or unbearable
- It’s getting worse
- It affects your ability to sleep or focus
- It doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain medication
- You notice other signs of infection, such as pus or swelling
- The tooth is broken or damaged
4. Swelling, Pressure, or Pain in the Oral Tissues or Gums Around a Tooth
Tooth pain does not always come directly from the tooth itself. Swelling or tenderness in the gums around a tooth can create pressure and discomfort that feels just as intense. In some cases, you may also notice pain or sores in the cheeks, tongue, lips, floor or roof of the mouth, soft palate, or throat. Any swelling or pressure should be taken seriously, even if the pain is mild at first. Feelings of pain in the gums can come from issues like:- Gum disease
- Hard buildup below the gums
- Infection in the gums
- Food trapped between the teeth or under the gums
- Canker sores
- Ulcers
- Poorly fitting dentures or appliances
- Tobacco use
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Side effects from medications
- A sore or lesion doesn’t heal within two weeks
- Pus coming from under the gums
- A pimple-like bumpon the gums
- Gums are changing color
- Your teeth feel loose or your bite has changed
- Numbness in the mouth, lips, or tongue
- It’s been a long time since you saw a dentist
5. Pain That Comes and Goes
Intermittent tooth pain can be easy to ignore, especially if it disappears for days or weeks at a time. However, pain that keeps returning often means an underlying issue is slowly progressing. Pain that comes and goes can become more frequent or more intense over time. The earlier you address your tooth pain, the less complex (and expensive) your treatment will be. Any pain or discomfort that happens more than once is worth a closer look. When to Call a Dentist:- Pain returns repeatedly
- It happens more often
- It’s getting more intense
- You thought the problem was resolved and it came back
- You know you need a dental treatment but have been putting it off