According to statistics, you probably will have to deal with a toothache at least once in your lifetime. The best thing is that, in most cases, these toothaches are minor and easily fixed. However, there are instances where the pain can be major and result to interference of your daily routine. In this post, I’m talking about some of the top causes of toothaches.
- Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of toothache. Poor oral hygiene can include not flossing or brushing your teeth regularly, eating foods that are high in sugar and acidity, and drinking wine or coffee. These habits can lead to plaque build-up on your teeth and encourage bacteria action on your enamel.
To reduce the risk of developing toothaches, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. This includes ensuring that your teeth are clean and free of plaque. Brush twice a day and floss at least once. It is also important to use fluoride toothpaste, which helps remove plaque and strengthen your teeth.
- Wisdom Teeth Problems
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to grow. In most cases, these sets of teeth can be impacted or misaligned. When they grow, sometimes they lack enough space and start pushing towards other teeth. They can also grow at an odd angle, putting pressure on other teeth, and this can cause a lot of pain. Dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal as soon as they start causing problems to alleviate the pain.
- Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the top causes of toothaches. This process starts when bacteria attack the tooth’s surface. Over time, this destroys the tooth’s dentin, which is the layer underneath the enamel. This leaves the tooth vulnerable to decay and other problems. It can also happen when acidic foods and drinks start corroding teeth enamel leaving it vulnerable to bacteria. Tooth decay starts to become painful when the decay reaches the nerve inside the tooth.
To prevent tooth decay, brush and floss your teeth every day and avoid eating foods containing sugar or high acidic levels. See your dentist for an evaluation and treatment plan if you have a toothache.
- Infection
An infection affecting the tooth or gum can cause a toothache. It could lead to a dental abscess, which produces pockets of pus at the end of the tooth or in the gums. One symptom of this condition is a sharp, throbbing pain in the tooth. The pain is often worsened with exertion. Dental abscesses are intense enough that they disrupt your ability to sleep or concentrate.
You need to be treated for dental abscesses as soon as you notice them. Otherwise, they can get worse or spread to other areas of your body.
- Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when bacteria resulting from poor dental hygiene lead to plaque build-up. Over time, the bacteria in the plaque will start eating your gums and can cause them to become red, bleed, and swell. This condition is painful and might result in a toothache.
To treat gum disease, you will need to clean your teeth regularly with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If you have gum problems that are severe enough, you may need to have your teeth cleaned professionally by a dentist.
- Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth symptoms can be very painful. If you experience painful sensations when eating something cold, hot, or spicy, it is possible that you have sensitive teeth.
One of the main causes of sensitive teeth is an erosion of the tooth’s enamel. This exposes the tooth’s nerve endings, which react when exposed to hot or cold substances, causing sharp, throbbing pain. Other causes of teeth sensitivity include toothpaste that is too strong, dental work that is not done correctly, and some types of foods.
- Broken or Chipped Teeth
A broken tooth can cause pain and swelling near the area where the tooth is broken. If the fracture is severe, it may even lead to infection. To treat a broken tooth, your dentist may need to insert a dental crown, filling or bonding to hold the broken pieces together and protect the tooth.
A chipped tooth can easily become loose and fall out, leading to significant pain and potential damage to other nearby teeth. If you notice that one of your teeth is noticeably chipped or cracked, be sure to get it checked out as soon as possible.
Bottom Line
Toothaches can be a real pain. Luckily, there are effective ways to address toothache resulting from different reasons. If you are experiencing a toothache, don’t let it take a toll on you; visit us at Carrum Downs Dental Clinic for diagnosis and treatment.
