Why Do My Teeth Hurt? Common Causes and What to Do About It

It’s almost impossible to ignore pain in your teeth or gums. That pulsating, continuous reminder might impact everything from eating and sleeping to concentrating at work. Despite the fact that tooth discomfort is an obvious indication that something is amiss, many people are afraid or unsure about going to the dentist.

You can take the appropriate actions to achieve relief from tooth pain by being aware of the potential causes. The first step to safeguarding your oral health is to understand what your body is telling you, whether it’s a slight sensitivity or a severe aching.

Here are some things to consider before seeing your nearest Winnipeg dentist if you live in Winnipeg and are experiencing chronic tooth pain.

The Most Typical Causes of Dental Pain

Toothache or Infection

 

One of the most frequent and, most of the time, most uncomfortable dental ailments is a toothache. It may be a sign of tooth decay or an infection if you experience pain when you chew, bite down, or consume particular foods. Most often, this discomfort is caused by germs that pierce the enamel and get to the pulp, the inner layer that contains blood vessels and nerves. An infection can result in an abscess, which is a pocket of pus that can spread to other parts of your body and create major health problems, if it is not treated.

What You Can Do:

• To lessen inflammation, rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
• Steer clear of sweet, spicy, or cold foods.
• Make an appointment right now with your dentist.

Your dentist may recommend a root canal or filling depending on the extent of the infection. Early diagnosis can save your tooth and prevent the infection form spreading.

Bleeding Gums

Blood may appear insignificant when brushing or flossing, but it may be an early indication of gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease. Plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, accumulates along the gum line and causes gingivitis. This plaque becomes tartar if it is not properly cleaned, which irritates the gums and makes them prone to bleeding.

Other causes of bleeding gums include:

• Excessive brushing
• Using a toothbrush with stiff bristles
• Changes in hormones (pregnancy, for example)
• Deficits in several vitamins, particularly C and K

Why It Matters:

Gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a serious gum disease that weakens the bone that supports your teeth, if left untreated. This might result in tooth loss and other health problems including diabetes or heart disease if it is not managed.

What You Can Do:

• Gently brush or use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
• To get rid of plaque between and around your teeth, floss every day.
• Every six months, make an appointment for a professional dental cleaning.

If bleeding persists, visit your Winnipeg dental clinic to rule out gum disease.

Gum Swelling

While your teeth themselves can’t swell, your gums certainly can — and this often points to an infection or inflammation. Swollen gums might feel tender, puffy, or even painful when your brush or eat.

Common causes include:

• Periodontitis or gingivitis
• An abscessed tooth that has an infection at its root.
• Dental appliances or dentures that don’t fit well
• Hormonal fluctuations or vitamin shortages

Gum infections might cause more severe health issues if they are not treated. Chronic gum disease has been strongly linked in studies to systemic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and even respiratory infections.

What You Can Do:

• To reduce irritation, rinse with a warm saltwater solution.
• Continue your regular brushing and flossing routine.
• For a professional assessment, see your dentist.

If there is an infection, your dentist may recommend antibiotics or do a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) on the afflicted tooth.

Tooth Sensitivity

When you consume ice cream or drink hot coffee, do you experience a quick, acute pain? Tooth sensitivity is probably to blame. The dentin, which is composed of microscopic tubes that connect to your nerves, is exposed when the tooth’s protective enamel wears away.

Common causes include:

• Acidic food or beverages can erode enamel.
• Teeth with cracks or damage
• Gum recession exposing the roots of teeth
• Bruxism, or tooth grinding
• Overuse of whitening products or acidic mouthwash

 

 

What You Can Do:

• Switching to a toothpaste that reduces sensitivity (such as Colgate Sensitive or Sensodyne).
• Steer clear of foods that are too spicy, cold, or sweet.
• Limit acidic beverages, such as citrus juices and soda.
• Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods and use a soft toothbrush.

Your dentist can determine the underlying reason of your sensitivity and provide treatments like bonding, gum grafting, or fluoride varnishes if it lasts more than a week.

Cracked or Damaged Teeth

Even though a cracked tooth isn’t usually obvious, it can nevertheless hurt a lot when you bite or chew. Cracks may appear as a result of:

• Biting into hard things, such as popcorn kernels or ice chips
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Unexpected variations in oral temperature
• Physical harm or trauma

Your tooth may become infected and more sensitive as a result of cracks that let germs enter the inner layers.

What You Can Do:

• Until your dentist examines the affected side, do not chew on it.
• Irregular pain should not be ignored because little cracks may get worse with time.
• If discomfort is accompanied by fever or swelling (indications of infection), get medical help right away.

Bonding, a crown, or in extreme situations, a root canal or extraction, are possible forms of treatment.

Wisdom Tooth Pain

Your wisdom teeth are often the cause of pain in the back of your mouth, particularly in the area around your molars. Typically emerging between the ages of 17 and 25, these are the final group of molars to erupt. Some people fit right in and don’t cause any issues. However, when there is insufficient space in the jaw for the wisdom teeth to erupt properly, many others may experience pain, swelling, and even infection.

What You Can Do:

See your dentist in Winnipeg for a checkup. To ascertain whether your wisdom teeth are emerging normally or are impacted beneath the gums, your dentist will probably take a panoramic X-ray. If the teeth are crooked or impacted, extraction is frequently advised.

When to See a Dentist

Tooth pain that persists for more than two days should never be disregarded, even though small discomfort may go away on its own. It frequently points to a deeper problem that needs expert attention.

Visit your dentist immediately if you experience:

• Severe or ongoing pain
• Swollen face or gums
• Fever or an unpleasant aftertaste (which could be an illness)
• Pain when eating or biting

A dentist in Winnipeg can diagnose the cause and create a customized treatment plan to restore your comfort  and oral health.

Preventing Tooth Pain Before It Starts

Avoiding tooth pain entirely is the best course of action. The following simple routines have a significant impact:

• Use fluoride toothpaste and brush at least twice a day.
• To get rid of stuck food particles, floss every day.
• See your dentist for cleanings and examinations every six months.
• Consume a well-balanced diet high in vitamin D and calcium.
• Don’t smoke, and don’t drink too much.

By following these steps, you can protect your teeth, maintain a bright smile, and reduce the risk of painful emergencies.

Final Thoughts

Your body uses tooth discomfort as a warning sign that something is amiss. All symptoms, from mild sensitivity to severe infection, should be taken seriously. The majority of tooth pain causes are entirely curable with the correct care and prompt dentist checkups.

If you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort, don’t wait — book an appointment at Greenwoods Dental Centre today. Restoring your oral health means getting back to eating, laughing, and smiling without pain.