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Ouch! That sharp, persistent pain in your mouth is no joke. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of experiencing a toothache, you know firsthand that it’s a discomfort that demands immediate attention. While dismissing a fleeting twinge of pain in your teeth is easy, a consistent toothache is hard to ignore. It’s the kind of pain that lingers, disrupts your daily activities, and is an unwelcome reminder that something is amiss in your oral health.
A toothache can manifest in various forms, ranging from a dull ache to a sharp, throbbing sensation. The underlying causes can be equally diverse, and understanding the possible reasons behind your toothache is crucial in seeking appropriate treatment and relief. Whether it’s a minor issue or a sign of a more serious dental condition, recognizing the common culprits can help you take the necessary steps to address the problem promptly.
This article will explore some of the most common reasons for toothaches. Let’s delve into the potential causes of your dental discomfort.
Misaligned Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, the last molars to erupt, can be the culprits behind troublesome toothaches. In cases where there isn’t enough space in the mouth for these late bloomers to comfortably emerge, complications can arise. Instead of finding a smooth path to join the existing set of teeth, wisdom teeth may end up pushing against their counterparts at the back, causing inflammation and, you guessed it, toothaches.
For individuals with smaller jaws or misaligned teeth, the eruption of wisdom teeth can become a real problem. The lack of sufficient space leads to discomfort, persistent pain, and potential damage to surrounding teeth.
Luckily, dentists have a solution: wisdom teeth removal. This straightforward procedure involves extracting these latecomers that serve no purpose in biting or chewing.
Cavity-Prone Wisdom Teeth
Removing wisdom teeth also becomes important when you experience pain after the molars have erupted comfortably. Proper brushing and flossing become challenging because these molars emerge at the back of your gums. With less attention, they become a breeding ground for cavities, leading to sharp pain.
Removing the problematic wisdom teeth can help cure your toothache and relieve future complications.
Cavities and Decaying Teeth
One of the primary culprits behind toothaches is dental decay, also known as cavities or dental caries. When harmful bacteria accumulate on the surface of the teeth, they produce acids that gradually erode the protective enamel. As the decay progresses, it reaches the inner layers of the tooth, including the nerve, resulting in sharp and persistent toothache. Seeking timely dental intervention, such as fillings or root canal treatment, is crucial to alleviate the pain and restore the affected tooth.
Damaged Cavity Fillings
When you go to a dentist with a cavity problem, they suggest you get a filling. This procedure involves removing the decayed part of the tooth and then filling the cavity. However, even after this procedure, you can get recurrent decay. The chances of you developing a cavity in an already treated tooth are high because the enamel is not intact, and the hole can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you have had a filling, keep your teeth in check for any signs of filling damage. If you ignore it, the inner part of your teeth will be exposed to bacteria from food particles. As a result, you will experience pain and sensitivity because of the infected tooth.
Gum Problems
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. It is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene practices, leading to the buildup of plaque and tartar along the gumline. As gum disease advances, it can cause inflammation, gum recession, and the formation of pockets of infection. Persistent gum pain, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are common signs of gum disease. Treatment may involve professional dental cleaning, scaling, and root planing to remove the infection.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is also an issue that causes toothache. Many people experience sensitivity because of genetically weak enamel. Many others damage their enamel due to bad dental practices.
People who have sensitive teeth report a sharp pain in their teeth when they eat or drink anything cold or hot. For this issue as well, it is crucial to consult a dentist.
If you keep drinking hot and cold beverages, you’ll damage the enamel, which doesn’t self-repair. So, over time your teeth will become more sensitive, and you will experience pain when they come in contact with anything, not just hot and cold things.
Also, when the enamel is damaged, your teeth become more susceptible to decay. So, it is a domino effect that you can only stop if you intervene early.
Poor Oral Hygiene
You could be brushing daily, but your practice might still come under poor oral hygiene because you don’t follow the correct procedure or overbrush your teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day in small circular motions is the recommended way to brush. But flossing is also necessary since brushing does not remove plaque buildup between the teeth.
Unless you incorporate both these habits into your daily routine, you will be susceptible to tooth decay, which causes toothaches.
Damaged Enamel
Many common practices cause damage to the enamel. This includes smoking and brushing your teeth after drinking anything acidic. So, if you’re a health freak and love to experiment by adding detox water and diluted apple cider vinegar to your diet, ensure you don’t brush just after consuming this drink. Also, avoid brushing your teeth after drinking soda. Ensure you rinse your mouth well after drinking soda and brush your teeth at least 90 minutes afterward.
Final Words
In conclusion, a toothache is a distressing and persistent pain that demands attention and prompt treatment. Understanding the common reasons behind toothaches can help individuals identify the source of their discomfort and seek appropriate dental care. Whether it’s gum disease, damaged enamel, or the troublesome eruption of wisdom teeth, each of these factors can contribute to toothaches and impact your oral health.
Image Credit: Photo by Pavel Danilyuk