Common Causes of Toothaches

When it comes to toothache causes, most people assume decay is the main reason for the pain. In reality, toothache causes are quite varied.  Anything from an abscessed tooth to a cavity, teeth grinding, faulty dental work or an injury can cause a toothache.  Let's take a look a the many different toothache causes and explain how to remedy the pain.

Some causes of tooth pain

Gum Disease

Gum disease results from improper oral hygiene that causes a buildup of plaque.  As time progresses, bacteria cause the gums to bleed, turn red and swell.  These problems will eventually spur tooth pain.  In fact, gum disease can lead to tooth loss if you do not receive treatment immediately.

You can do your part to prevent the onset of gum disease by brushing and flossing two times per day.  Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash will also help combat gum disease.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay that leads to cavities is one of the top toothache causes.  Cavities typically result from improper oral hygiene such as the failure to floss or brush with regularity.  Tooth decay leads to the formation of small holes in the tooth.  These holes move deeper down into the tooth and grow larger as time passes.

Cavities can also form when saliva combines with sugary, starchy or acidic foods/beverages that subsequently eat away at tooth enamel.  It is imperative you visit with your dentist every six months to pinpoint the signs of tooth decay as early as possible.  Remedying decaying teeth right away dramatically reduces the chances of a subsequent toothache.

Teeth Grinding

It is possible your toothache is caused by teeth grinding.  In fact, such grinding might not even be noticeable until the dentist points it out.  You might be grinding your teeth while you sleep.  A clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth will lead to tooth deterioration.  The stress causes the tooth pain and/or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.

People with TMJ should ask their dentist about a dental split that will reposition the bottom portion of the jaw.  You can also reduce stress on the jawbone by consuming soft foods.  Those who grind their teeth at night can mitigate the tooth pain and damage by wearing a mouthguard while sleeping.

An Abscessed Tooth

If you have an abscessed tooth, the tooth is infected.  This infection will spur pain and/or swollen gums, bone loss at the point of infection and an infected root.  Abscesses typically occur when the cavity moves to the pulp chamber or if the tooth is contacted.

Apply coconut oil to the tooth in question until you can meet with your dentist.  This oil will reduce the pain until the dentist can repair your mouth.

Damaged Restorations

Broken, loose or damaged fillings, dental implants, crowns and other dental restorations can lead to tooth pain.  If these restorations are dislodged, they will not protect the teeth.  Rather, they will leave the teeth exposed to alterations in temperature, bacteria, food particles and other threats.

Call (559) 975-1213 to schedule an appointment with Visalia Care Dental in our Visalia dental office.