It happened again. You are sitting enjoying your morning coffee when, all of a sudden, sharp throbs of pain shoot through your teeth, causing you to wince. It is just like a tiny lightning bolt hitting the tooth seemingly out of the blue.
Seems familiar, right? Countless patients experience this pain and visit their dentists, nervously holding their jaws and asking the same question: “Why am I experiencing these shooting pains in my teeth?”
Random sharp tooth pain can be pretty baffling. Is this something you should be concerned about? Do you need to visit the dentist near you right away, or is that something that can wait for later?
Let’s take a closer look at what could be the root cause of that tooth sharp pain and what can be done in response to it.
Top Causes of Tooth Sharp Pain
Tooth pain doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone at any time, and it’s often the body’s way of signaling that something is wrong.
1. Tooth Sensitivity: The most common reason behind that awful tooth sharp pain is tooth sensitivity. Tooth enamel is the outermost shell of your teeth, protecting them from decay.
The enamel does gradually wear down with time, exposing the softer dentin layer underneath. While this would certainly cause increased sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic food and drinks, there could be sudden episodes of pain too when you eat or drink.
2. Decay and Cavities: Cavities can be another big cause of sharp shooting pains in the teeth. When tooth decay progresses rather deep into the tooth without being treated, it starts hitting the nerves inside.
By then, it is not uncommon for pain to be sharp and intense. A study by the CDC found that one-quarter of U.S. adults ages 20 to 64 have at least one untreated cavity.
3. Gum Recession: As your gums recede, the root of your tooth is exposed. Since the root doesn’t have enamel protection, it is much more sensitive to pain and discomfort. If you find your teeth getting longer or you notice that your gums are pulling away from your teeth, it is time to call a local dentist to talk about the condition of your gums.
Other probable causes of tooth pain
It is important to keep an eye out for other potential causes of sudden tooth pain. A few underlying causes could be:
1. Cracked/Chipped Teeth: You may experience cracking or chipping in your teeth. This may happen while biting down on some hard food, probably while grinding your jaws, or due to a sudden injury to the mouth.
Tooth cracking or chipping may sometimes be the reason for your random sharp tooth pain. Even microscopic cracks that are not visible to the naked eye expose the nerves, causing pain.
Cracked or chipped teeth need to be evaluated by a dentist. Depending on the severity, chipped teeth can sometimes be bonded with, crowned, or veneered for protection and pain relief.
2. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): It refers to the habitual grinding and clenching of the teeth, most often during sleep. The constant pressure may cause tooth fracturing over time and contribute to random sharp tooth pain
Frequent sleep bruxism occurs in about 13% of adults, and many of them don’t realize it until it causes them pain or brings them into a dentist’s office.
To manage bruxism, your dentist may recommend a custom nightguard to protect your teeth from grinding. Reducing stress and incorporating relaxation techniques can also help minimize clenching during sleep.
3. Dental Infections: Infections like abscesses, if left untreated, can lead to severe throbbing pain. A tooth abscess is a condition where the bacteria infiltrate the inner pulp of the tooth, causing infection and pressure buildup.
If you are experiencing extreme pain, which seems to emanate from the affected tooth and shoot into your jaw, neck, or ear, then you should seek emergency treatment from a dentist.
4. Tooth Nerve Damage: Nerve-related issues can also cause sharp, seemingly erratic tooth pain. If that nerve in your tooth becomes irritated or inflamed, either through trauma, decay, or infection, you’re sure to suffer nothing but pain. Sometimes a root canal is the necessary fix for this nerve damage.
Conclusion
In case you feel that you are experiencing shooting pains in your teeth, do not take it lightly. Tooth sharp pain is one of the telling signs that let you know something is off; this could be sensitivity, decay, or even a cracked tooth.
Early diagnosis and treatment may save you from some of the worst cases you may deal with down the road. Consulting a dentist near you can help you with this toothache.
We, at Axion Dental Clinic, have years of experience to help you regain comfort and confidence in your smile. We are dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of dental conditions, including sharp pain in the teeth
If you want a trustworthy dentist in Mokena, get in touch with us today to make an appointment. Let’s get to the root of your pain together!
