Most Common Reasons for a Toothache

Toothaches are common issues with adults and children alike, and most go away within a day or two. If you have a toothache that lasts longer or causes severe pain, it may be a sign to visit a toothache emergency dentist in St. Petersburg, FL. Here are some of the most common causes of toothaches.

Cracks and Cavities

One of the most common causes of a sore tooth is a crack or cavity in the tooth. If this crack reaches the soft pulp of the tooth where the nerve sits, it can cause extreme pain. It will be especially noticeable when chewing, or when you eat or drink something very hot or cold. A dental filling can resolve many cracks, while larger ones may require the installation of an artificial crown.

Tooth Alignment

If you’re teeth aren’t properly aligned, you may be putting uneven pressure on them when you chew, which can cause pain. This is common in children, especially as their teeth are coming in. Another common cause of pain is when teeth get impacted--that is, when they get stuck below the surface of the gum.

It’s also important to note that orthodontic adjustments themselves can also cause some mild pain or discomfort, even though they’ll gradually bring your teeth into their proper alignment. This discomfort should only last a few days after your treatments.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is a bad habit many people don’t even realize they have. You may be doing it without thinking about it, and you can even do it at night while you’re asleep! Unfortunately, it can wear down your teeth and cause small cracks to form. Ask a family member to listen to you at night to see if you’re grinding your teeth. You can also ask your dentist to look for signs and help you come up with a strategy to stop this bad habit.

Gum Disease

Another common cause of toothaches is gum disease. This is most commonly the result of poor dental hygiene. When plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up along the teeth and gums, they will eventually start to cause disease and decay. Mild gum disease can cause bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. More severe decay may result in teeth that have to be completely removed. See a toothache emergency dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, if you suspect you have gum disease in order to keep as many of your teeth intact as possible.