A tooth that feels sore to touch is a common experience, ranging from a mild annoyance to a significant impediment in daily activities. Understanding the causes of this sensitivity is an important first step toward finding relief. This article explores various factors that can contribute to this sensation and outlines appropriate steps to address it.
Everyday Reasons for Tooth Soreness
Food particles can become wedged between teeth, creating pressure and irritation that results in pain, especially when biting or flossing. This discomfort can be acute and is often relieved once the debris is removed.
Gum irritation is another frequent cause. Aggressive brushing or flossing can lead to temporary inflammation and soreness of the gums surrounding a tooth, which may be felt when touched. Sensitivity can also arise following dental procedures like fillings or deep cleanings, where the tooth’s underlying dentin or nerve may be temporarily exposed or irritated. This post-procedure sensitivity typically subsides within days to a few weeks as the tooth heals. Minor trauma, like biting down unexpectedly on a hard object, can bruise the ligament supporting the tooth, causing it to feel sore when pressure is applied.
Underlying Dental Issues
More significant dental problems can also cause a tooth to be sore to touch, indicating a need for professional attention. Dental decay, or cavities, can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, causing sharp pain when pressure is applied. If decay progresses deep enough to reach the pulp, the tooth’s innermost part, it can cause severe throbbing pain.
Cracks or fractures in a tooth can also result in pain when biting or touching, as the pressure can irritate the tooth’s internal structures. These cracks can sometimes extend into the pulp, necessitating more extensive treatment. A dental abscess, which is a bacterial infection forming a pus-filled sac at the root of a tooth or in the gums, can cause intense, persistent soreness and swelling. Gum disease, or periodontitis, involves inflammation and infection of the gums, which can lead to receding gums and exposed tooth roots, making teeth sensitive to touch.
Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, places excessive pressure on teeth and their supporting structures, leading to widespread soreness and sensitivity. This continuous force can wear down enamel and irritate nerves. An impacted tooth, especially a wisdom tooth struggling to erupt, can also cause significant pain and soreness in the surrounding gum and bone tissue.
Signs You Need to See a Dentist
Recognizing when to seek professional dental care is important for managing tooth soreness. If the pain is persistent, worsening, or does not improve with home remedies, a dental evaluation is needed. Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw accompanying tooth pain can signal an infection that requires prompt treatment. A fever combined with tooth pain suggests a serious infection, such as an abscess, which can spread if left untreated.
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, especially if the pain persists after the stimulus is removed, can indicate issues like deep cavities or nerve inflammation. Any visible signs of damage, such as a chipped or cracked tooth, or a loose filling or crown, warrant a dental visit. Pain that develops after a recent dental trauma, such as a fall or impact to the mouth, also requires immediate professional assessment to check for hidden damage.
What to Do Until Your Dental Visit
While waiting for a dental appointment, several measures can help alleviate discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water several times a day can help soothe irritated gums and reduce inflammation. This can also help dislodge any trapped food particles that might be contributing to the soreness. Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger pain is advisable. This includes very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic items, as well as hard or sticky foods that might exacerbate the discomfort.
Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing the affected area with a soft-bristled toothbrush and continuing to floss to prevent further irritation. During your dental visit, the dentist will examine and may X-ray to diagnose the soreness, then discuss appropriate treatment options.