Surely, you can think of better ways to spend a day than having to deal with a toothache. If possible, you’d like to prevent one from happening. One way to protect yourself is to know what contributes to the issue. As you continue reading, a local dentist lists the 10 most common reasons for a toothache.
#1 – Tooth Decay
The leading cause of a toothache is oral bacteria that have been allowed to accumulate for a prolonged period. If unaddressed, they can penetrate deep into the tooth to cause severe decay that triggers intense pain sensations.
#2 – Tooth Abscess
Advanced tooth decay that goes untreated can eventually travel to the root to cause a painful abscess. Because it can radiate pain throughout your jaw, it can be difficult to diagnose. If an abscess is ignored, the infection could soon spread to other parts of your body to cause even more health problems.
#3 – Gum Disease
When plaque accumulates in your mouth, it can sink beneath the gum line to cause germ pockets to form, which is the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease. The condition, which is the infection and inflammation of the soft tissue, can cause irritated, swollen and bleeding gums, and even referred tooth pain.
#4 – Tooth Fracture
A tooth can become cracked or broken either through a fall, sudden blow or biting down into something too hard or sticky. If you feel pain, then it means that the fracture is deep enough to impact the area where the nerve endings are housed.
#5 – Temperature Sensitivity
Your teeth are covered by a protective layer called the enamel. If it becomes worn, eating or drinking hot or cold items can cause a sharp pain to radiate throughout the tooth.
#6 – Damaged Fillings or Dental Sealants
One of the things fillings and sealants have in common is that they are placed to protect the sensitive areas of a tooth. When either component is damaged or missing, it can leave your tooth susceptible to foreign objects and oral bacteria entering. The result can be a dull ache or sharp pain.
#7 – Teeth Grinding
If you tend to grind your teeth (also called bruxism), the violent jaw clenching and abrasive force can lead to cracked or chipped teeth. Along with jaw soreness and headaches, one of the warning signs can be a toothache.
#8 – Improper Brushing or Flossing
One of the misconceptions about cleaning your teeth is that the more force you use, the better. Taking a more aggressive approach can spell problems down the road, as it can lead to sore and bleeding gums, and even tooth pain from premature enamel wear.
#9 – Misaligned Teeth
Your teeth are designed to coexist with each other, but for that to happen, they must be properly aligned. Any imbalanced teeth can begin to push on the surrounding ivories, and in some cases, this can cause a toothache.
#10 – Orthodontic Alignment
When you undergo bite correction, you can expect some slight discomfort. However, some people may experience more pain than others. If the discomfort becomes extremely unpleasant, then you should bring it to your orthodontist’s attention.
No matter what type of tooth pain you may be experiencing, it’s always better to be evaluated by an emergency dentist to eliminate any guessing. Furthermore, if there happens to be a problem, it can be nipped in the bud before it gets worse.
About the Author
Dr. James K. Kramer earned his dental degree from the Temple University School of Dentistry. He provides compassionate and effective restorative care at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information through his website.