If you’ve ever experienced a toothache, you know how debilitating it can be. Also known as dental pain, a toothache can range from mild to severe, and it can end quickly or linger for a longer period of time. It can affect people of all ages, and it’s one of the top reasons that dental appointments are made. Sometimes the pain is simply a sensitivity you notice in response to hot or cold liquids or foods; this isn’t necessarily a problem as some people just have sensitive teeth, but if it’s a new experience, you should have it checked out as it may indicate a problem.
Some common causes of toothache include dental trauma, inflammation and complications such as dry socket following an extraction. Whatever is behind the pain, it’s important to treat it so that it doesn’t continue or get worse. Your dentist will check your teeth regularly for soft spots or other indications that teeth may be decaying. It’s important to keep track of any symptoms of toothache and share them with your dentist so that you’re properly treated. Take note of things like when you notice the pain, how long it lasts, whether it’s sharp or dull and anything else you believe may be related. Here are some of the causes of toothache:
1. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a common problem that can affect people of all ages and walks of life. From small babies and teens to adults and the elderly, teeth can experience damage in and on their hard surfaces, and that can lead to holes that allow food to become trapped creating further problems. There are a number of causes of tooth decay, but whatever is behind it, it can manifest with a vast array of symptoms including constant pain, fever and toothache. Also known as cavities or dental caries, tooth decay is at a higher risk of developing among those who consume candy and sweet drinks as well as frequent snacks that expose the mouth to bacteria especially if their mouths aren’t cleaned afterward through dental hygiene.
The damage of tooth decay is permanent and must be treated as early as possible to ensure the best results. The longer your teeth aren’t treated, the more likely you are to have damage that extends deeper into the tooth as well as the surrounding areas. If you visit your dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene habits, you’ll be able to keep an eye out for the development of decay and treat it accordingly.
2. Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is infected and has a pocket of pus surrounding the root. This can happen to anyone, and when you have one, you need to see a dentist for treatment as it won’t resolve without medical intervention, and the tooth could die. He or she can hopefully save the truth before the infection spreads to other areas of your body. You can get an abscess when you have decay or gum disease or even a damaged tooth, and you may even end up with multiple abscesses. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, redness or fever, make an appointment to check for an abscess.
3. Tooth Fracture
Tooth fractures can be minor or serious, but they always involve some breakage and level of pain. A chipped tooth is pretty mild and generally has sharpened edges that may cause some discomfort. This kind of fracture is usually treated with a filling or crown to smooth it out. A midlevel fracture usually involves the dentin of the tooth, and it can cause moderate pain and sensitivity. A filling or crown also works for this type, while a more severe fracture may lead to extraction or a root canal. Whenever you damage a tooth, it’s a good idea to get it checked out and treated promptly.
4. A Damaged Filling
Fillings provide structure to the teeth when they have decay, but fillings can become damaged and need to be replaced. This can happen because over time, the cavity that was initially filled may grow in size and cause the filling to fall out. Also, the daily pressure of chewing can eventually cause damage to fillings. If you’re starting to experience pain in a tooth that was previously filled, you should have it checked by your dentist. It could be a sign that you have a damaged filling, and if so, you should have it replaced to prevent prolonged exposure to bacteria.
5. Repetitive Motions
Another way that tooth pain can occur is through repetitive motions such as chewing gum. The constant pressure and movement can lead to soreness around your teeth, your mouth and gums. If you experience this kind of pain and have been doing repetitive chewing, stop the source of the chewing and see if the pain is relieved. If after a day or two passes you’re still experiencing soreness and haven’t been doing any repetitive motions such as chewing gum, make a dental appointment to help you determine whether chewing was the cause or something else has developed and is causing the pain.
6. Infected Gums
Infected gums are also known as gum disease, and they can cause moderate to severe pain when left untreated. The infection usually begins with bacterial buildup in the mouth as a result of poor dental hygiene, certain foods, illness and certain medications. Some people may be more prone due to family history as well. Symptoms of infected gums include swelling, bleeding, bad breath and toothache, and the longer the symptoms are ignored, the more the gum disease will progress. If you suspect you have infected gums, you should have them looked at and treated as well as determine the source to help prevent future infections.
7. Teeth Grinding
Many people grind their teeth at least occasionally, and some do it regularly in their sleep. Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can be harmless when it doesn’t happen very frequently, but if it does happen on a consistent basis, it can lead to toothache, teeth that are worn down, constant pain, fractures or even tooth loss. It can be caused by an abnormal bite or other problems with teeth, but there are ways to treat it effectively including reducing your intake of alcohol and foods that contain caffeine. If you experience teeth grinding while you sleep, your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth overnight.
