Common Causes of Toothaches

A toothache is a soreness, pain, or ache in and around the teeth or gums. Handling this kind of pain on top of your daily routine can be unpleasant and frustrating. Just imagine taking a lunch break at work and experiencing sharp pain after biting your sandwich. It will take you by surprise and leave you with throbbing gums the rest of the day. The pain may come from several possible reasons. But at the end of the day, your dental care provider can identify the issue and treat your toothache.

What are the four common causes of toothaches?

Whether it is a popcorn hull or a cold drink, anything can cause pain to the teeth and gums. Inside a person’s tooth is a soft material called the pulp. It is one of the most sensitive body parts since it contains nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. When it gets infected or injured, it can cause excruciating pain to the person. Below are some of the common causes that can spark a toothache.

Tooth decay

Cavity or tooth decay is one of the top culprits for toothaches. Usually, this results from poor oral hygiene or failure to brush and floss regularly and adequately. Cavities can create a small hole in a tooth, growing more extensive and profound over time. Tooth decay also happens when the person consumes sugary foods and drinks regularly. When sugar combines with saliva and bacteria in the mouth, it produces acid that dissolves tooth enamel and causes decay.

Abscessed tooth

If a person with tooth decay or cavity leaves it untreated, it can worsen and spread. Once it reaches the pulp chamber or the root and root tip, an infection will occur. It can result in severe throbbing pain, swollen gums, and possible bone loss. A dentist will need to drain the pus or give the patient a root canal. Sometimes, they may pull the tooth if the damage is severe.

Gum disease

Not every tooth pain can stem from issues within the tooth. They can also come from periodontal or gum diseases like periodontitis and gingivitis. Because of poor dental hygiene, plaque can form and result in gum diseases. The bacteria from the plaque can get inside the gums and cause inflammation, redness, and bleeding. If the disease advances, the gums can swell so much, causing damage to the teeth and jawbones. It can cause pain and even result in the breaking or loss of teeth.

Tooth sensitivity

Some people experience discomfort and pain when a specific tooth becomes exposed to hot or cold temperatures. Be it the air, liquids, or certain foods, it can affect sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity occurs due to weakened enamel and exposed dentin. A person may develop this condition from brushing too vigorously, eating acidic food, and grinding or clenching the teeth.

Preventing tooth pain

An individual can prevent toothaches by practicing proper dental care. This may be difficult to maintain, especially with busy schedules and demanding lifestyles. Preventing tooth pain is still possible. The following are some simple ways to protect teeth from toothaches:

• Daily flossing can help remove food particles and bacteria from the spaces between teeth. This prevents the formation of tartar. The dentist has the tools to remove this hardened plaque. This simple practice can help prevent dental decay.
• Brushing at least two times a day for two minutes is enough time to remove plaque. Daily brushing can prevent plaque from turning into tartar.
• Reducing the intake of high-sugar and acidic foods and drinks can also prevent toothaches. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on sugar. Consuming more sweets allows bacteria to produce more acids that attack the enamel. This results in tooth decay and tooth pain.
• Acidic foods and drinks can deteriorate the enamel as well. This also opens up the tooth to decay. Bacteria enter the tooth and start to damage it. The onset of tooth decay is a sure thing.
• Seeing the dentist for routine dental checks can detect minor dental issues. Small decaying areas can receive dental fillings right away. The damage stops progressing into a deep cavity, which causes terrible dental pain.
• Drinking more can rinse remaining food particles and sugars in the mouth.

Good dental care can make your toothache go away

Although a toothache on its own is not fatal, most of its underlying causes can worsen and lead to other issues. If you experience tooth pain that is severe and lasts longer, you must visit a dentist as soon as possible. They can provide proper diagnosis and treatment for different types of oral issues. Your dental practitioner is key to relieving the pain, preventing the spread of infection, and saving your teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.grandvalleydentistry.com or call Grand Valley Dentistry at (616) 259-6046 for an appointment in our Allendale Charter Twp office.

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