Does the thought of eating a chewy candy bar make you cringe? Have you relegated only your left molars for ice cream? If you're asking yourself, "Why do I have a toothache," the truth is that most reasons are incredibly common. While we don't recommend self-diagnosing, it is good to know the common causes of toothaches. They're all good reasons to talk to your dentist!
Common Causes for Toothaches
The mouth is a unique environment. We put stuff in them all day long. We even expose them to foreign objects and trauma on purpose. As we outline the reasons you might experience tooth pain, understand that it isn't because you always forget to floss. It's because we use them constantly.
Cavities
Cavities are the number one cause behind toothaches for most people. While cavities are a basic effect of poor dental hygiene, some people develop cavities more easily than others. Deep cavities often cause infections. Experiencing pain may be a sign that you require a root canal.
Lost a Filling
While they aren't meant to, fillings for cavities fall out. Most fillings fall out because of some trauma to the face—like a rogue soccer ball—but they also release if the tooth degrades around the filling, too. If this happens, losing a filling can cause pain as the cavity the filling is now open. Unfortunatly, this means you will nedd a new filling. It has to be replaced since you cannot reuse one that fell out.
Gum Abscess
A gum abscess is a pus-filled infection in the soft tissue of your gums. Imagine a small pimple along your gum line. This is known as a periodontal abscess. Abscesses can also form inside the teeth, referred to as a periapical abscess. Either form of abscess can be very painful.
Fractured Teeth
The candy bar that makes you cringe? That nougaty goodness can cause your tooth to fracture, especially if sugary candies have started to cause general decay in the tooth. Fractured teeth present as superficial chips and also as cracks through the whole tooth. Ask your dentist if you should avoid certain foods.
Wisdom Teeth
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, they anchor into your jaw and partially erupt from the gums, which is painful on its own. Wisdom teeth also crowd your other teeth, creating pain throughout your mouth. It's usually best to have them removed.
Grinding and Clenching
Some grind their teeth while they sleep or as a response to stress. Some clench their teeth as a stress response. Athletes tend to clench their jaw while playing. This bruxism puts a lot of stress on teeth and may cause them to wear down.
Receding Gum Line
A receding gum line pulls the safe margin of gum away and exposes the root of your teeth. This exposure causes both sensitivity and pain. Poor oral health causes a receding gum line, but so does brushing too hard, ageing, and some orthodontic procedures.
Facial Trauma
A rogue soccer ball to the face doesn't have to only knock out a filling. It can be the cause of damage too! It's common for patients to crack or knock out a tooth from some facial trauma.
Your Orthodontist
Yes, your orthodontist. But it's not their fault! Orthodontic treatments are essentially planned and controlled trauma. Braces and palate expanders hurt. If the pain seems uncommon and unexpected, talk to your dentist.
Sinus Infection
Inflammation in your sinuses creates pressure in your jaw down through your teeth. This results in a persistent, sometimes throbbing pain. For a sinus infection, talk to your physician. Depending on the infection, you might be prescribed antibiotics.
Get Checked!
Whether or not you know the causes for toothaches you're experiencing, contact your dentist. They will determine the complete cause of your pain and treat it. You do not have to live with it. If you have toothaches or just want to make dental hygiene a priority, call the clinic of Dr. Richard Wilczek today to make an appointment.