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If you’ve ever dealt with mouth pain, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Eating, talking, and even smiling can feel like a challenge. At Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona, we’re proud to provide prompt treatments in Gilbert and Phoenix to relieve mouth pain and help you get back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.
We understand how frustrating and disruptive mouth pain can be. That’s why we’re here to help you figure out what’s causing your discomfort and how to fix it!
Why Does My Mouth Hurt?
Mouth pain can happen for many reasons. Some issues are minor and will go away on their own, while others may need professional care. It’s not always easy to tell whether your discomfort is something serious or just a nuisance.
Here are ten common reasons for mouth pain to help you understand what might be causing your symptoms.
- Gum Disease
Gum disease happens when plaque builds up along the gumline, leading to irritation, swelling, and sometimes bleeding gums. In its early stages, called gingivitis, you might notice tenderness or sensitivity in your gums. Left untreated, it can progress to peridontitis, which can damage the tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings are essential to prevent gum disease. If your gums are sore or bleeding, it’s time to see our team for gum disease treatments in Arizona!
- Injured and Decayed Teeth
A tooth that’s cracked, chipped, or decayed can cause sharp pain or a dull ache. These issues often expose the sensitive inner layers of your teeth, making them vulnerable to temperature changes and pressure.
Getting treatment quickly is important to avoid further damage. A filling, crown, or root canal can often save the tooth and relieve your pain.
- Sores
Mouth sores can be incredibly uncomfortable. Canker sores, which can develop nearly anywhere inside the mouth, are often caused by stress, minor injuries, or specific foods. Cold sores and angular cheilitis can develop on the lips and cause significant discomfort.
Ill-fitting dental appliances like dentures or retainers can also cause sores. If your appliance is causing irritation, we can adjust it to improve the fit and comfort. Just don’t do it yourself!
- Infections and Inflammation
Several conditions can lead to infections or inflammation in the mouth:
- Stomatitis: General inflammation that can make your mouth feel sore or swollen. It can be caused by viruses, fungus, allergies, and other issues.
- Burning Mouth Syndrome: A chronic condition that causes a burning sensation in the mouth without an obvious cause.
- Thrush: A fungal infection that appears as white patches in the mouth and can cause pain or discomfort. It’s a common side-effect of some medications, such as asthma inhalers, which is why it’s always a good idea to rinse after using them!
These issues often need professional care, so it’s best to see your dentist or doctor for a proper diagnosis. Some precancerous conditions can also cause inflammation and pain in the mouth, so it’s always worth talking to your dentist about it.
- Tooth Grinding
Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, often happens during sleep or when you’re stressed. Over time, grinding can wear down enamel, strain your jaw, and cause persistent pain in your teeth and muscles, as well as tooth sensitivity.
If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth, our team can create a custom night guard to protect your teeth and relieve the pressure.
- Sinus Infections
Did you know that sinus infections can cause mouth pain? When your sinuses are inflamed, the pressure can make your upper teeth and jaw feel sore.
If you’re dealing with sinus pain along with nasal congestion or a headache, the sinus infection may be the culprit. Treating the infection can often decrease mouth pain and tooth sensitivity.
- Cuts, Burns, and Injuries Inside the Mouth
Sometimes, the simplest things can cause discomfort. Accidentally biting your cheek, eating hot foods, or brushing too hard can result in cuts, burns, or irritation inside your mouth. These minor injuries usually heal on their own, but keeping your mouth clean and rinsing with warm salt water can help speed up the process.
Food impaction, which happens when teeth have tiny gaps that allow food to get stuck, can cause surprisingly intense tooth and gum pain. While flossing usually helps, it’s sometimes necessary to get serious impactions removed by your dental team.
- Gum Recession and Worn Enamel
When gums recede or enamel wears down, the sensitive inner layer of your teeth (called dentin) becomes exposed. This can lead to sharp pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet.
Using a toothpaste designed for sensitivity and visiting your dentist for treatment options like tooth-colored bonding or dental crowns can cover the sensitive areas and reduce discomfort.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth that don’t have enough room to emerge properly can become impacted, leading to pain in your jaw, ear, or surrounding teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause swelling and pressure.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to consider a wisdom tooth extraction. Your dentist can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action.
- An Uneven Bite
An uneven bite can cause extra strain on certain teeth and even affect your jaw joints. Over time, this can lead to soreness or discomfort when chewing or speaking.
Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, can help correct an uneven bite and relieve the strain on your teeth and jaw.
What to Do If You Have Mouth Pain
Mouth pain treatments depend on what’s causing the issue. However, there are some general tips that can help while you wait for professional care:
- Don’t Ignore the Pain: Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. It’s best to address it sooner rather than later.
- Try Warm Salt Water Rinses: This can reduce inflammation and keep the area clean. Your dentist may also be able to provide special rinses to soothe pain after an injury or dental procedure.
- Avoid Hard or Irritating Foods: Stick to soft, bland foods until you feel better.
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling
- Most importantly, call your dentist! If your mouth pain doesn’t have a clear cause or it’s lasted more than a few days without improving, it’s critical to talk to your dentist to ensure it’s not something serious.
While many common causes of mouth pain go away on their own, some can be warning signs of more serious problems. Regardless of what’s causing your mouth pain, don’t suffer in silence! Our team is here to provide timely mouth pain treatment in Gilbert and Phoenix so you can get back to living life to the fullest.
You Don’t Have to Suffer with Mouth Pain. We’re Here for You!
Mouth pain can be frustrating, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care to help you feel your best.
If you’re experiencing mouth pain, don’t wait. Contact our offices in Gilbert or Phoenix today to schedule an appointment or if you need emergency dentistry in the Phoenix area. Let’s work together to get your smile back on track!
