Common Causes of Toothaches

Experiencing tooth pain? A toothache can really put a damper on your day and may indicate that you need to see your dentist for an oral health examination. Read on to learn more about some of the common causes of toothaches.

Tooth Decay

When bacteria start forming holes, called cavities, in your tooth enamel, you may feel pain related to the tooth decay. It’s important that your dentist clean out and fill these cavities to prevent the progression of tooth decay. In order to prevent dental decay and the pain that comes along with it, you should maintain a good daily oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist on a regular basis. In addition, avoid consuming sugary foods and drinks in order to keep dental bacteria at bay.

Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth can also cause major tooth pain. A tooth may become abscessed when a dental cavity is left untreated and the tooth decay spreads into the middle of the tooth, causing the nerve to become infected. Other causes of abscessed teeth include injury to the tooth or impact stemming from grinding and clenching the jaw. Your dentist may perform a root canal to clean and seal the inside of the tooth. However, if the tooth is severely infected and cannot be restored, it may need to be extracted.

General Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is another form of tooth pain that most people experience at some point in their lives. General dental sensitivity has multiple causes. Receding gums can often cause your teeth to become sensitive. So can thinned enamel, which is often a result of eating too many acidic foods or grinding your teeth at night. In addition, teeth whitening treatments that are applied to the tooth enamel can cause your teeth to temporarily become sensitive. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on sensitive teeth and choose a toothpaste that is designed to lessen dental sensitivity.