Toothaches

Toothaches

Top 5 Reasons for a Toothache:

1. Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons for toothache. The plaque that sticks to the tooth enamel is full of bacteria that feed on the sugars and starches from food particles. This produces an acid that eats away at the enamel, causing the tooth to decay and symptoms such as sensitivity and pain.

2. Tooth Abscess: This is caused in several different ways. The most common is when the bacteria that causes tooth decay gets inside the tooth affecting the root beneath the visible tooth. The second common cause of an abscess is untreated gum disease. In both cases, the tissues surrounding the tooth as well as the tooth root have become infected. The pressure from the infection causes pain that can become severe with swelling if left untreated and can become life-threatening.

3. Gum Disease: Red, bleeding gums, and dull pain in the mouth can be symptoms of gum disease. If left untreated this infection can eventually lead to recession of the gums and bone loss. The teeth eventually become loose, with a bad taste, and bad breath.

4. Teeth Grinding: Nocturnal teeth grinding can cause tooth, jaw, neck, and related muscle pain. Excessive teeth grinding can result in sore jaw bones and joints, headaches, and even cracked or chipped teeth.

5. Temperature Sensitivity: Tooth pain that is triggered when consuming something cold or hot. This can mean that your tooth enamel has worn down and your nerve is being triggered, that you have a loose filling or a cracked tooth.

6. A Cracked Tooth: Sometimes it is very easy to crack a tooth. The biggest indicator that you have cracked a tooth is if it hurts to bite down on hard foods. Cracked teeth can take a long time to resolve!

If you are experiencing a toothache make an appointment with us today. Our dentist will be able to diagnose the cause of the pain and provide you with a suitable treatment.