While eating a big bowl of ice cream your tooth begins to hurt but stops shortly after finishing the treat. More than likely there is sensitivity around the gum. Next time you’re at the dentist discuss treatment options on how to combat this very common problem. But if a tooth begins to hurt for no apparent reason or after biting down on something hard, we here at Ellis Dental recommend having it checked as soon as possible.

Cavities-Mouth bacteria mixes with certain saliva proteins creating plaque. If this plaque remains on the tooth, decay eats through the enamel causing a cavity.
Damaged fillings-cavities are repaired by having the decay drilled out and the empty space filled with a wide range of materials including porcelain, silver amalgam or resin. Over time these materials may begin to deteriorate and new decay can form underneath the loose or missing filling.
Broken or chipped teeth-A tooth with a large filling can crack and cause pain. Or it could be as simple as biting down on something hard that causes a tooth to fracture.
Infected gums-The same bacteria that causes cavities can also cause your gums to become red, swollen and painful, in turn causing the surrounding teeth to hurt.
Abscessed tooth-When the tooth root or the space between the gum and tooth becomes infected that is called an abscess. If the infection spreads to the center of the tooth the pulp may be destroyed and the pain diminished. But the infection is still active and if left untreated will continue to spread.

Please don’t walk around in pain. When a tooth begins to hurt call Ellis Dental and schedule a time to come in and let us see what’s going on. The sooner you have it taken care of, the better.