Toothaches are quite high up on the 'pain scale', and understanding toothache causes can help you deal with the issue appropriately. You know the feeling. No matter what you try, you cannot seem to fall asleep due to the pain in your right molar. Or maybe you are sitting down to enjoy your breakfast and a bite of your sandwich leaves your gums throbbing and your eyes watery.
This pain can be disconcerting, especially if you brush your teeth every day and visit your dentist regularly. However, toothaches are not just a result of poor oral health. You might still experience toothaches even if you take good care of your teeth. The following are common causes of toothaches:
Common toothache causes
1. Cavities and tooth decay
Cavities and tooth decay are the main cause of toothaches. Tooth decays are characterized by a stabbing pain whenever you bite down on your food. For the tooth and the surrounding areas to hurt, the decay must be significant enough to reach the dentin, which is the inner layer of the tooth. A cavity forms when the dentin sustains damage.
If the pain is very sharp and intense, it could mean that the decay is reaching the center of the tooth. The easiest treatment for a cavity or tooth decay is a filling.
2. Gum disease
Diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis inflame the gums. This results in dull pain in the mouth and sometimes tooth pain. The main treatment for gum disease is a deep cleaning and a proper oral hygiene regimen.
3. Impacted wisdom tooth
If you have a toothache toward the back of your mouth, an impacted wisdom tooth could be the cause. This usually happens when a wisdom tooth fails to break through the gum line. The result is a severe pain as the impacted tooth festers below the gum line and sometimes pushes against the other teeth.
4. Bruxism/teeth grinding
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding of teeth, especially when sleeping or during periods of stress. This often results in sore jaws, along with cracked or chipped teeth. The best treatment for this is to wear a custom mouth guard while sleeping to reduce the stress put on your jaw and teeth.
5. Temperature sensitivity
If you experience sharp pain during or after drinking something hot or cold, you could be dealing with tooth sensitivity. This could mean that your tooth's dentin is exposed or the enamel is worn out. You could also experience tooth sensitivity after a recent teeth whitening procedure. The best remedy for this is to use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
6. Orthodontic alignment
Braces and retainers usually cause toothaches and oral discomfort. The pain is more noticeable soon after the adjustments, which move or tighten your teeth. This pain should subside after a few days. If your teeth still ache after a few days, talk to your dentist about adjusting the orthodontic appliances so that they do not interfere with your life.
7. Tooth abscess or infection
When tooth decay becomes so severe that it advances to the root beneath your visible teeth, then the root and surrounding areas could become infected. This results in widespread and pulsating pain, and it can be hard to pinpoint which tooth is causing the pain. This issue has to be dealt with immediately by your dentist to reduce the chances of tissue or bone loss.
Call us today
If you are experiencing pain due to any of the toothache causes listed above, it is advisable to call your dentist. A simple dental exam will help pinpoint the problem. The sooner you do it, the better because a simple problem could easily become a larger and more serious issue.
Call us at (425) 249-9186 for more information from Bellevue Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry or to schedule an appointment in our dentist office in Bellevue.