Experiencing a nagging toothache? It may not stem from your teeth at all. As a dental professional with years of experience, I've seen these three common culprits trip up many patients.
If you have a cold alongside tooth pain, sinus congestion is often to blame. Your sinus cavities sit near your upper teeth; when clogged, the pressure radiates to the dental area. Unlike cavity pain, this affects a whole region, not one tooth, and eases as congestion clears.
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Receding gums expose the tooth's unprotected root surface, causing sensitivity. Pain typically flares with hot, cold, or acidic foods. Switch to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and see your dentist to address the underlying gum recession.
Bruxism, or unconscious nighttime grinding, wears down teeth and sparks daytime pain, headaches, or jaw tightness. Many grinders are unaware until symptoms appear. A custom mouthguard from your dentist can prevent further damage.
