8 POSSIBLE CAUSES OF TOOTHACHES YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

Toothache is pain in and around the teeth and jaws that is usually caused by tooth decay. It can cause anyone to feel miserable, restless and uncomfortable. Hence, the urge to know what's causing you or a loved one pain is completely understandable. So here is a list of eight (8) possible reasons for toothaches. In this way, you can figure out early what can be wrong and discover interventions and/or remedies before the pain gets worse.

Tooth Decay

The most common reason for a painful toothache is plain old tooth decay. Sure, it might not be all that exciting or new, but it's something that can affect any of us.

For the tooth and the surrounding area to hurt, the decay in the tooth would have to be significant enough to reach the inner layer of the tooth, a layer called the dentin. Once the dentin is damaged the tooth becomes very sensitive and a cavity, or cary, has developed.

If the pain becomes less of an ache and more of a sharp pain, the tooth decay may have reached the center of the tooth. This results in a very intense pain that makes it difficult to carry on with daily life. These issues need to be addressed as soon as possible as they are not only painful but can quickly lead to bigger dental issues.

Tooth Abscess

When tooth decay advances to the point of affecting the root beneath the visible tooth there is a high chance that the root and the surrounding tissue have become infected. This will result in a widespread pulsating pain that may make it hard to determine which exact tooth is the culprit of the pain. This is a very serious issue and needs to be professionally dealt with as soon as possible as it can result in bone and tissue loss.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is characterized by a dull pain in the mouth, red, bleeding gums, and also sometimes tooth pain. A common cause of this is the oral bone and gums becoming inflamed. If left untreated, teeth, gums, and bones could be damaged or lost, and surgical measures may have to be taken to rid the mouth of infection.

Tooth Fractures

Teeth can be cracked or chipped in many different ways, whether it's through a fall, playing sports, or biting down on something hard or sticky. If you are feeling pain in a fractured tooth, that means that the fracture has made its way to the middle of the tooth where the nerve endings are and can result in excruciating pain.

This may not happen as soon as the tooth is chipped or damaged, but can develop over time as the tooth damage worsens. This is why all fractures and chips should be attended to by your dentist as soon as possible and before they have the chance to worsen.

Temperature Sensitivity

Toothaches are a major reason for emergency dental visits. If you are experiencing sharp tooth pain during, or very soon after, eating or drinking something that is cold or hot, this is typically associated with tooth sensitivity. This can mean that your tooth enamel has worn down and your tooth's dentin (the layer where the tooth's nerves lie) is exposed, or can be a result of recent teeth whitening. To help protect these nerves and shelter them from extreme temperatures, try a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. Consult your dentist for recommendations and further treatment options.

Damaged Fillings or Dental Sealants

Dental fillings that cover deep pits, grooves, or fractures in teeth often protect vulnerable parts of the tooth. When these protectants are damaged, the sensitive parts of teeth are exposed to extreme temperatures, food particles, and bacteria. This can result in a pain that is anything from a dull ache to a sharp, piercing sensation. If you have a damaged filling or sealant, be sure to book an emergency appointment with your dentist to have it fixed before the vulnerable parts of your tooth suffer further damage or decay.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a very common reason for tooth, jaw, neck, and related muscle pain. People who grind their teeth generally do so while they're sleeping or during stressful situations. Excessive teeth grinding involves violently clenching the jaw and grinding the top and bottom teeth back and forth against each other.

This can result in sore jaw bones and joints, headaches, and even cracked or chipped teeth, all of which are very painful. The best course of action to treat bruxism is to have a custom mouthguard made that is worn while sleeping to relieve the stress put on teeth and the jaw.

Improper Brushing or Flossing

Very often people do not pay attention to the pressure they are using when they brush and floss their teeth and end up pressing much too hard. This results in irritated, inflamed, and bleeding gums. If extreme pressure like this is constantly used, it can cause gums to recede and can make teeth unstable, resulting in more pain. Consult your dentist about proper brushing techniques and be sure to only use soft bristled toothbrushes.

If you are experiencing an excruciating pain on your teeth or gums today, please call your dentist right away. The best way to get rid of toothaches is to ask for help from the dental experts. There are numerous ways to help alleviate the pain. Delaying the need for dental attention today means the risk of possible serious threats and damages in the future. You do not want to suffer out of your own neglect, right?