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Common Causes of Toothaches

A toothache can range from a mild annoyance to severe, throbbing pain that disrupts your daily life. Tooth pain is often a sign of an underlying dental issue. It can be helpful to understand some of the common causes of a toothache, as this can help you address the problem promptly. Below are some of the most frequent reasons for toothaches:

1. Tooth Decay or Cavities

Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of toothaches. Cavities are holes that form in a tooth when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and produces acid that erodes the enamel. As the decay progresses, it can reach the inner layers of the tooth, the dentin and pulp which are far more sensitive, and this leads to pain, especially when exposed to hot, cold, or sweet foods.

2. Gum Disease 

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, especially when it is in advanced stages, can lead to toothaches. Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can cause inflammation of the gums, which can progress into periodontitis if left untreated. Periodontitis can lead to receding gums, infection, and even bone loss, all of which can cause significant discomfort and pain in the teeth and gums.

3. Tooth Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in your mouth. These typically occur at the root of a tooth. An abscess can result from untreated cavities, gum disease, or trauma to the tooth. Abscesses often cause severe, throbbing pain and can spread to other areas of the face and jaw if not treated promptly. If you have an abscess you may be experiencing other symptoms as well such as swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth.

4. Tooth Fracture or Cracked Tooth

A cracked or fractured tooth can also cause intermittent or constant pain, especially when chewing. The crack may be so small that it's difficult to see, but it can expose the nerves within the tooth which are extremely sensitive and this can lead to sharp pain. Biting down on hard foods, injuries to your mouth, or weakened enamel from grinding can all contribute to tooth fractures.

5. Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel wears down or when gums recede and the inner layer of dentin ends up getting exposed. This condition will typically cause discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. Though not always painful, tooth sensitivity can be a sign of a more significant issue like gum disease or enamel erosion.

6. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, can put excessive pressure on the teeth, and this will cause wear and tear over time. The grinding of your teeth can result in tooth sensitivity, fractures, and even jaw pain. Many people who suffer from bruxism don’t even realize they are doing it until they experience a toothache or visit the dentist. There are treatment options to help protect your teeth if you do grind your teeth.

7. Damaged Fillings or Dental Work

Dental work is meant to last for a long time, but it does not last forever. If a filling, crown, or other previous dental work becomes loose or damaged, it can expose the sensitive areas of your teeth and lead to pain. Sometimes, dental work can trap bacteria, leading to decay or infection underneath the restoration. There are other types of dental work that can cause some discomfort, such as Invisalign. As these invisible aligners work to straighten your teeth, there can be some pain as the teeth shift. It is important to make sure they are working properly, especially for the cost of Invisalign to get straight teeth, so if the pain feels severe it is worth checking in with your dentist. 

Don’t Ignore A Toothache