7 Common Causes of Toothache You Shouldn’t Ignore

A toothache is a quite common issue that affects many people all over the world. If you have ever experienced a toothache, then you probably know how exhausting and unbearable it can be. But the main problem is that a toothache usually doesn't appear on its own. It means that your teeth can hurt because of a certain medical condition.

Many people tend to take painkillers or use various home remedies to relieve a toothache. But you should understand that these options can only ease your pain. The cause of your toothache can be defined and treated only by a dentist. In this article, we have gathered seven common causes of toothache you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Tooth decay

Tooth decay, also known as caries and cavity, is a condition that occurs when your tooth enamel becomes thin and develops a cavity. Even though tooth decay can develop asymptomatically in the initial stages, the advanced stages of this condition can be extremely painful. The point is that the tooth enamel and dentin don't have nerve endings. But when the cavity reaches the pulp, you can experience a severe toothache.

A cavity occurs when the bacteria in your mouth produce a lot of acids that soften and wear out your tooth enamel. Poor oral hygiene and increased consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks can boost your risk of developing tooth decay. If you have a cavity, you need to make an appointment with your dental specialist and get a tooth filling as soon as possible. Otherwise, tooth decay can reach the roots of the tooth and even destroy the whole tooth.

2. Gum recession

Gum recession is a condition that occurs when your gums shrink. As a result, the roots of your teeth may become exposed and sensitive to temperature changes or various foods. Gum recession can occur because of untreated gum disease, hormonal issues, dehydration, and other factors. It is important to visit your dentist for treatment since receding gums can lead to severe complications. 

3. Enamel wear

People who have enamel wear can also experience increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, sweets, cold air, and some other irritants. When your tooth enamel becomes thin, it makes your teeth more sensitive and acceptable to tooth decay. 

Enamel wear can occur because of excessive tooth brushing, increased consumption of acidic foods and drinks, poor diet, and many other factors. If you experience teeth sensitivity, it is better to visit your dentist for an exam and treatment if needed. Your dentist can recommend special toothpaste and mouthwash to strengthen your tooth enamel and ease the pain.

4. Tooth fracture

Tooth fracture can actually be painless if you have chopped only a small piece of tooth enamel. But if the fracture is quite serious, it can be extremely painful especially if the crack reaches the pulp. Despite the size of a fracture, it is essential to contact your dentist and undergo a thorough examination. The dentist will restore the missing part of the tooth and ease the pain if needed.

5. Dental abscess

A dental abscess, also known as an abscessed tooth, is a quite severe condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the infections penetrate the damaged tooth and leads to the development of a sac with pus. The most common symptoms of a dental abscess include:

- Severe toothache
- Red and swollen gum under the affected tooth
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Increased tooth sensitivity

If you have noticed at least some of the aforementioned symptoms, you need to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Without timely and accurate treatment, a sac can rupture and puss can spread to your jaw, neck, and brain.

6. Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a condition in which a person clenches their teeth. This condition is quite common in children during tooth eruption. However, many adults can also grind their teeth at night or during stressful situations. This condition can cause toothache, jaw pain, enamel wear, headaches, and other unpleasant complications. You need to control your condition throughout the day and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth at night.

7. Damaged dental restoration

If you have dental restorations, it is important to monitor their condition since damaged tooth fillings or dental crowns can cause a lot of complications including a toothache. For example, if your tooth filling has fallen off, the inner layers of your tooth become exposed and sensitive. Additionally, it can lead to the recurrence of tooth decay.

Dental crowns, bridges, and other types of dental restorations that are loose can lead to the accumulation of food particles and dental plaque. This can result in bacteria overgrowth that can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and other unpleasant consequences.

The bottom line

It is important to understand that most of the aforementioned conditions can't be treated at home. Only a dentist can recognize and treat the condition that contributes to toothache. If you want to avoid unpleasant complications, you need to visit your dentist to undergo proper treatment.