There could be an endless number of reasons behind the aching that’s currently radiating throughout your mouth. However, we’re here to help narrow down the possible causes. Below are the most common reasons that could be responsible for your toothache.
Tooth Decay
As something that can affect everyone, tooth decay is one of the most common causes of tooth pain. For tooth decay to transform for a dull ache to a sharp pain, it must reach the inner layer of the tooth called the dentin. Once it’s reached the center, the pain will become unbearable, making daily life difficult.
Tooth Abscess
This occurs when tooth decay reaches the point of infecting the root beneath the tooth and its surrounding tissue. A painful pulsating sensation will begin, making it hard to determine which tooth is the source of the problem. This needs to be dealt with by a professional immediately before bone and tissue loss occur.
Gum Disease
This disease is usually accompanied by a dull ache throughout the mouth, along with bleeding gums and tooth pain. This is usually due to the gums or bone being inflamed. Leaving this untreated will lead to further infection and tooth decay or loss.
Fractured Tooth
A tooth that’s cracked or chipped can be caused by many things, but the pain results in teeth that have been fractured down to the middle of the tooth. This is where the nerve endings are, and the reason behind the excruciating pain you may be experiencing.
Sensitivity
Sharp tooth pain from hot or cold foods and drinks is a sign of tooth sensitivity. The enamel on your teeth has worn down enough that the nerves within your tooth’s dentin are exposed. Using a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth should help in preventing discomfort.
Bruxism
Grinding your teeth is a common occurrence when someone’s sleeping or under stress. It will cause headaches, muscle pain in the neck and jaw, as well as toothaches. The excessive force from the top and bottom teeth grinding against one another can also cause cracking or chipping in the teeth. Wearing a nightly mouth guard will prevent damage from occurring.
Poor Brushing or Flossing
Proper oral health doesn’t only involve actively cleaning your teeth, but the technique in which it’s done. Using too much pressure when brushing will result in irritated, swollen or bleeding gums. Over time this will cause your gums to shrink and your teeth to destabilize. This is a painful experience and easily avoidable with a light hand or softer toothbrush.
Misaligned or Impacted Teeth
Teeth press against one another which pushes them out of alignment. This results in pain and discomfort. Wisdom teeth that have yet to breach the gum line can be painful as well. As they grow below the surface, the wisdom tooth will press against other teeth. Misaligned teeth can be fixed by an orthodontist but an impacted wisdom tooth requires surgical removal.
Orthodontic Realignment
Having systems set in place that are meant to straighten out your teeth, like braces or retainers, are disrupting the natural setting of the teeth. It’s common to feel discomfort or painful sensations throughout your teeth, especially after having the systems newly tightened. Any pain will subside after a day or two, but if it’s interfering with your daily life for a long period of time, contact your orthodontist.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately. If you live in the Georgetown area in Ontario, then stop by South Georgetown Dental. Our caring and trained staff are happy to look after any dental concerns including general cleaning, cosmetic dentistry, restoration, emergency dental care, and more. Call to make your appointment today!
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