Amelia Grant

Do you have a sudden tooth or gum pain? You’re not alone. According to a research conducted by the American Dental Association, tooth pain and discomfort is the most common problem for both teens and adults. Fortunately, sudden tooth pain is typically highly treatable and even fully preventable if caught early. 

Keep on reading to discover the five most common causes of sudden pain and discomfort in teeth and gums. 

1. A cracked tooth or dental crown
Obviously, a fractured tooth or crown can cause pain. Besides, it’s a leading cause of dental discomfort and sensitivity. Teeth cracks that cause pain might be so tiny that they are practically impossible to notice. A cracked tooth can often only be diagnosed through the process of elimination or specific dental testing. However, sometimes a piece of a tooth or a chunk of a crown can fall out when you brush, floss, or eat.

Cracked teeth and crowns must be fixed. If they’re not, the damaged tooth will need to be extracted or a root canal will be required to stabilize it and eliminate the infection.

2. Teeth whitening solutions 
Tooth sensitivity can be exacerbated by using teeth whitening strips, bleaching gels, or during a professional teeth whitening process. Whitening-related pain is usually short-term and subsides after you stop using the whitening products. Some people may have sensitivity as a result of using whitening toothpaste.

If you have had tooth sensitivity in the past and are having teeth whitening done by a professional, let them know so they can offer you a desensitizing therapy to prevent any post-treatment pain. If you're bleaching your teeth with an over-the-counter product, wait for a day or two between treatments or switch to a different one.

3. Sinus infection
A toothache might be caused by a sinus infection. Pain in your teeth and jaw is one of the symptoms. A sinus is simply a hollow cavity within a bone or other piece of tissue. When this open region gets inflamed and filled with pressure from the infection, the nerves in your teeth may become compressed. This may result in pain and discomfort.

The most popular therapy for sinus infections is oral antibiotics. They must be prescribed by a physician. The use of nasal decongestants and antihistamines can help prevent the sinus from getting infected. Surgery is only recommended in rare cases for people who suffer from severe sinus infections regularly.

4. Clenching and grinding of jaws
Clenching and grinding one's teeth and jaws can cause persistent tooth sensitivity, significant enamel degradation, and gum recession. Many people clench or grind their teeth from time to time, especially when they are under a lot of stress, trying to concentrate, or having nightmares. However, if this practice becomes chronic, it can have a significant influence on your everyday life and dental health.

Oral appliances like custom-made occlusal night guards created by dentists and those available at drug stores can protect your teeth and gums from the damaging effects of clenching and grinding. These methods should ideally be used in conjunction with lifestyle adjustments or stress-relieving activities to help treat the cause of the problem rather than merely the symptom.

5. Dental procedures
Tooth sensitivity might be caused during a dental appointment. New fillings or dental work that involves drilling can temporarily inflame your teeth’ nerve endings, making them more sensitive. Deep cleanings and dental cleanings that are overdue can cause minor tooth soreness. Dental treatment sensitivity usually lasts a few days. However, it might last up to several weeks in some patients.

If you recently received a filling or crown and are still experiencing sensitivity after a few days, contact your dental specialist. Your bite may be slightly misaligned, or the nerve of the tooth may be damaged and should be checked ASAP.