Why Does My Tooth Hurt?

If you have sore or painful teeth, that is a warning of an oral health problem that needs to be addressed. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Cappy Sinclair if you have a toothache. He will conduct an examination of your teeth and gums to determine the cause of your pain.

The Main Causes of Tooth Pain

Cavities

When bacteria feed on the plaque on your tooth, it dissolves the enamel and forms a cavity. Harmless bacteria live in our mouths naturally, but if you don’t brush and floss regularly, the plaque will spread. Digestive acids from bacteria create cavities and expose the inside of the tooth. When the nerves inside the root canal are exposed, patients will feel tooth sensitivity and pain. We can treat cavities by removing the infection and filling the cavity.

A Damaged/Lost Dental Filling

When your dental fillings are damaged or fall out, this re-exposes the nerves in your teeth. If you have recently lost your filling or have found it to be damaged, Dr. Sinclair can conduct a dental examination to determine what needs to be done to eliminate the pain.

Toothache Virginia Beach, Virginia dentist

Bruxism/TMJ

Do you wake up often with a sore jaw? Have you noticed yourself unconsciously clenching your teeth during the day? You may have bruxism, also known as teeth clenching and grinding, or a TMJ disorder, which is marked by jaw problems. Dr. Sinclair can offer solutions that can protect your teeth from excessive wear and tear as well as painful headaches, toothaches, and jaw pain.

A Tooth Abscess

An abscess is a serious infection in the root of a tooth. However, an abscess may be resolved with antibiotics and dental treatment, usually a root canal. If patients do not treat an abscess it can lead to a widespread infection that puts your overall health in jeopardy.

Wisdom Teeth

When your wisdom teeth begin to emerge as the “third molars” in the mouth, they can cause pain, swelling, and jaw stiffness. We can determine if the teeth are coming in properly or if they require extraction to assuage pain and prevent crooked or misaligned teeth.