A toothache is a quite common issue that is familiar to many people all over the world. Even though there are various home remedies and pain medications that can help ease your pain, you should understand that a toothache doesn't appear on its own. There are certain oral issues that can make your teeth hurt. In this article, we have gathered seven common causes of toothache that you should never ignore
1. Cavities
Cavities, also known as caries and tooth decay, are holes in the tooth enamel that occur as a result of a vital activity of bacteria. If your mouth has a suitable environment for bacteria to live and multiply, they produce acids that soften and eat away your tooth enamel. When the cavity becomes deep enough, you may experience tooth sensitivity and toothache. It is important to understand that only a dentist can remove the affected tissues and seal the cavity to eliminate tooth decay and ease your symptoms.
2. Enamel wear
There are certain factors that can lead to enamel wear. The most common of them include:
Aging
Teeth grinding
Insufficient oral hygiene
Aggressive tooth brushing
Using a toothbrush with stiff bristles
Increased consumption of acidic foods and drinks
Acid reflux
Bulimia
Lip and tongue piercing
When your tooth enamel becomes thin, your teeth may hurt while eating or even inhaling cold air. Your dentist can perform dental bonding or cover the affected tooth with a dental crown to restore your tooth enamel.
3. Gum disease
Gum disease is an inflammation that occurs in gums. It can lead to gum recession that exposes the roots of your teeth. Due to the fact that the roots are quite sensitive, you may experience a toothache. Proper oral hygiene, regular dental cleaning procedures, and certain medications can help treat the early stages of gum disease.
4. Tooth fracture
Tooth fracture is an extremely painful condition that occurs when a tooth breaks. You can fracture your tooth horizontally or vertically. In the case of a tooth fracture, you need to visit your dentist as soon as possible. The point is that a fractured tooth is susceptible to tooth decay and dental abscess. A dentist will cope with a toothache and restore the damaged tooth.
5. Loose dental restorations
Most dental restorations are lifelong but in some cases, they can become loose or even fall out. For example, if you have a loose dental filling, the space between the filling and your tooth may accumulate food particles, dental plaque, and bacteria. This can result in bad breath and tooth decay. That's why it is essential to visit your dentist regularly to examine your fillings and other dental restorations.
6. Dental abscess
A dental abscess is a quite serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications. An abscessed tooth develops a sac with pus that can rupture and spread pus to your jaw and neck. Symptoms of a dental abscess include severe toothache, bad breath, unpleasant taste in the mouth, fever, and swollen gum.
7. Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a condition in which a person clenches their teeth at night or throughout the day. People with bruxism often experience a toothache, headaches, jaw pain, enamel wear, gum recession, and loose teeth. If you have any of these symptoms, visit a general dentist to get a mouthguard to reduce the pressure on your teeth at night.
The bottom line
If you experience a toothache, it is better to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Indeed, you can use some remedies to ease your toothache. But you should understand that this is a temporary measure and only a dentist can define and treat the underlying problem.
