Nerve pain not only sounds bad, but it's also extremely unforgettable and may signal serious dental issues. Your dentist should be notified right away about pain for any reason, but it may also be helpful to consider the possible causes of dental nerve pain. Read on to find out more.

A Breach of Enamel

In most cases, your tooth provides an excellent protective covering for the nerves in your gum. Unfortunately, that protection can be compromised when decay moves in. Cracks in a tooth can allow bacteria to enter and begin to eat away at the enamel. Once that happens, the nerve can be exposed to air, food, and drinks. This can cause you to experience everything from a mild tingle to horrifyingly intense sharp pains in your gums. Other common causes of decay include broken teeth, lost fillings, and gum disease.

Losing a Tooth

If you get a tooth knocked out due to an accident, you might also experience sudden and sharp pain from the loss of the tooth. Some traumatic accidents can expose the nerves and cause excruciating pain. Take the following steps to minimize the discomfort and to recover from the event faster:

1. Call your dentist right away and make an appointment at the next possible time.
2. In the meantime, preserve the tooth (if possible) by gently washing it free of debris and placing it in water, milk, or a special mixture.
3. If the tooth has any of the root attached, use special care not to disturb it.
4. If possible, place the tooth back into the mouth. Remove it before you eat or drink and while sleeping, however.
5. Visit your local pharmacy to find teeth preservation kits.
6. If the tooth cannot be re-implanted, plan on having a dental implant, bridge, or denture in its place.

Preventing Further Damage

It's important to address cracked and broken teeth as soon as possible — not just because of the pain factor but because things will only worsen if left untreated. Cracked teeth can be repaired using dental cement in some cases but often a crown is necessary. By the time you are feeling the pain, the tooth may already be damaged beyond repair. That is why it's so important to have regular cleanings in which the hygienist examines your teeth for anything suspicious. Don't wait till it hurts — get regular check-ups and address problems in a timely manner. To find out more, speak to a dentist.