Toothache - almost everyone can relate to it, because toothache is very common. It should definitely be taken seriously, as it indicates a problem with the teeth or gums. Regardless of whether it is a dull pulling sensation or a violent tapping sensation: pain in the teeth is always unpleasant and usually does not simply disappear. Rather, it is an indication that the next visit to the dentist is imminent.
This guide will tell you:
- Why cold helps against toothache.
- Why it's not a good sign when toothache suddenly disappears.
- Why not all pain can be cured in the dentist's chair.
Why does a tooth hurt?
There is no life in teeth? Far from it. The sensitive interior of the tooth is only well protected by enamel and gums. Underneath, every tooth has nerve fibers and blood vessels in the pulp called the "pulp”. Anyone who has experienced toothache knows how sensitive the nerve fibers are. Every tooth is made up of several layers:
- Tooth enamel: hardest substance in the body
- Dentin: main mass of the tooth
- Dental pulp: permeated by blood vessels and nerve fibers
- Gums: well-perfused substance
- Jawbone: firm anchoring of the teeth
- Periodontal ligament: gums and cementum
- Root canal: permeated by nerve fibers
Caries and periodontitis are widespread
Enamel and dentin protect the sensitive pulp from hot and cold foods and other mechanical stimuli. The tooth root is anchored in the jaw and surrounded by tissue and bone. This means that not much can happen to the tooth.
The situation changes if one of the protective layers becomes inflamed or damaged. Caries and periodontitis are the main reasons for the destruction of the natural protective layer. If the tooth nerve is exposed, everyone can feel how much life there is in a single tooth. This is when toothache occurs.
The causes of toothache
According to Lux Smiles, Toothache can have various causes. These can usually be differentiated by the type and intensity of the pain.
These examples will help you better classify your toothache:
- Pain when eating cold, hot or sweet foods: early stage of tooth decay
- Throbbing pain: advanced stage of tooth decay
- Dull pain when chewing: gingivitis
- Tooth sensitive to touch: root inflammation with abscess formation
- Pain in the back of the mouth: eruption of wisdom teeth
- Sensitive tooth: fallen out fillings, crowns or temporary restorations
Sensitive teeth
Sensitive teeth make life difficult for those affected. A draft of air, ice cream for dessert or hot soup as a starter is enough - and a severe toothache spread. After a short time, the nightmare is over. Doctors call such complaints lightning pain.
The cause is usually exposed tooth necks. This occurs as a result of gum disease, in which the gums recede. If this exposes the dentinal tubules, the irritation penetrates to the tooth nerve.
Another cause of sensitive teeth is incorrect loading of the jaw: if you only chew on one side or constantly grind your teeth at night, you accelerate the wear of the chewing surfaces and thus the aging process of the teeth.
Sensitive teeth due to incorrect care
If the teeth come into contact with acid more frequently, this also damages the substance. For example, through frequent vomiting in bulimia or through the rising of stomach acid in patients with reflux disease. Frequent consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables also makes the teeth more susceptible to wear.
Dental hygiene at the wrong time can make the problem worse. If the teeth are under the influence of acid, brushing them will damage them. Therefore, wait about half an hour after eating acidic foods before brushing your teeth. But don't skip it. Regular brushing is fundamentally important so that the deposits are removed from the teeth. Only those who overdo it will damage their teeth: If you scrub them vigorously every day instead of cleaning them with light pressure, you will encourage wear.
H3: Sensitive teeth due to bleaching
The cause of sensitive teeth can also be found in various dental procedures. This includes bleaching . During this procedure, the dentist removes the protective layer of the teeth to give them a lighter color.
The fitting of crowns and fillings can also lead to sensitivity. This is because the dentist often grinds down the teeth. This also leads to greater sensitivity and vulnerability.
Toothache without any identifiable cause
Sometimes toothache occurs when there is another underlying disease. The dentist is often unable to identify the cause and cannot carry out treatment. This is toothache that no dentist can cure.
Patients experience this form of toothache in very different ways. Some people experience mild and burning pain. Those affected also report a throbbing and stabbing sensation in the teeth or jawbone. The pain cannot always be localized precisely and can even change sides. Pain
in the molars can often be traced back to inflammation of the nasal mucosa or maxillary sinus. In this case, a throbbing and stabbing pain is felt in several teeth.
Toothache due to nerve dysfunction
If sensitive tooth nerves are damaged, doctors refer to this as chronic, neuropathic pain. The symptoms often arise as a result of dental treatment: burning, numbness and hypersensitivity can occur after the removal of tartar, root canal treatment or tooth extraction. Experts refer to this toothache as atypical odontalgia. Diagnosis is made more difficult by the fact that the symptoms appear with a delay - often weeks or months after the treatment.
Toothache caused by migraines
Migraines or cluster headaches are caused by vascular changes in the brain. The trigeminal nerve transmits the pain impulse to the teeth. The symptoms manifest as strong, throbbing and spontaneous pain. This form of pain can be treated with behavioural therapy and medication.
Toothache caused by heart disease
Heart disease often manifests itself through atypical symptoms. These include shoulder and arm pain or toothache. Cardiogenic toothache usually occurs in conjunction with chest pain. The symptoms worsen with physical exertion.
Toothache caused by external influences
In addition to the main causes mentioned above, external influences can also cause toothache. Pressure and pain in the teeth are often caused by poorly fitting dentures. Metal or plastic dentures put pressure on the jaw. Braces in children also shift easily because the jaw is still growing. The solution is simple: the dentist corrects the misalignment and the pain disappears.
Stress as a trigger for toothache
Mental problems manifest themselves in the body in a wide variety of complaints. Muscle pain and tension, digestive problems or headaches are the most common examples. If toothache occurs without an obvious cause, there may be psychosomatic reasons.
Stress as a trigger for toothache is less well known, but it does occur. Tension in the shoulder and neck area causes the nerve pathways to transmit the pain to the teeth. Toothache also occurs when those affected clench their teeth tightly together in a cramped posture, thereby increasing the pressure on the jaw muscles.