Tooth pain can be incredibly annoying, and it can be difficult to determine the cause in some cases. While some pain may not be too serious, others may indicate a possible dental emergency. If you would like to know more, check out these three possible causes of tooth pain.

1. Sensitivity

Everyone may feel some level of discomfort when their teeth touch something too hot or too cold, but for some, it can be debilitating. Teeth are commonly overly sensitive when the enamel gets worn down. Worn enamel exposes the dentin and tooth pulp to heat and cold. Some people also feel sensitive to sweets.

Some kinds of toothpaste may help, but fluoride treatments may be a great option to re-strengthen your enamel. If your enamel is mostly gone or beyond repair, the dentist may recommend veneers or dental bonding. Dental bonding and veneers can also help if your teeth are sensitive due to chips and cracks.

2. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay occurs when the acid in bacteria in your mouth breaks down the enamel. Small cavities in the enamel may only cause minor sensitivity, but deeper cavities can cause severe pain. Large and deep cavities may also weaken the tooth, increasing the risk of the tooth shattering.

You can often see cavities as dark pits on your teeth. They can appear anywhere, but they are common between teeth, behind teeth, and along the gumline because it's harder to clean these areas. Tooth decay is usually treated with a dental filling. If the decay is excessive, however, the dentist may recommend a crown. If the tooth shatters from decay, it may need extraction.

3. Tooth Infection

If the bacteria that cause decay reaches the tooth's pulp, it can cause a tooth infection. This can cause severe and immobilizing pain that may not respond to over-the-counter and/or prescription pain medications. As the infection destroys the tooth and pulp, the pus puts pressure on the tooth's nerve. For this reason, if the abscess bursts, you may have some immediate relief.

A tooth infection may also cause swelling, bad breath, and a metallic/bitter taste. The only treatments are root canal treatment and extraction. Your dentist will also recommend a dose of antibiotics to fight the infection.

If you have tooth pain that won't go away, it's time to visit the dentist. A good dentist helps protect your oral health. If you would like to know more, contact an emergency dentist in your area today.