Toothaches are typically caused by tooth decay that has been neglected to the point that it causes considerable physical pain. But there are other reasons for tooth pain. Anything from excessive teeth grinding or clenching to gum disease, infection, trauma or an erupting tooth can cause a toothache. Here is a closer look at the different reasons why teeth ache.
A tooth that has suffered physical trauma is likely to hurt. If the trauma is from a powerful force like a hockey puck, racquetball racket, baseball, football or something similar, the pain will be substantial. But even something as simple as a damaged or broken filling, dental implant or crown can also cause tooth pain.
Teeth might ache as a result of gum disease. Swollen and red gums are symptoms of gum disease and will amplify tooth pain. It is also possible that teeth can hurt from gingivitis, which allows plaque to accumulate to the point that it impacts the gums. If gingivitis is neglected, it will lead to periodontitis, which causes the inner portion of the gums to recede from the teeth, creating pockets that allow for food particles and bacteria to gather.
Even sinus infections can spur pain in the teeth and other portions of the mouth. If pressure from sinuses filled with fluid causes pain along the upper rear portions of your mouth, there will also be significant pain in your teeth. A dental visit is required for advice regarding the use of decongestants and/or additional medications to minimize pain.
Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of oral pain. There are different levels of severity. Cavities will form holes within teeth, through the enamel and into the sensitive dentin beneath. Cavities that reach this level of decay will cause noticeable pain. If the tooth's nerve and pulp are infected, an abscess can form and spur even more serious tooth aching.
Anything from tension along the facial muscles to TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), an ear infection or a sinus infection can cause tooth pain. In many instances, such health issues occur in unison with a headache. If there is an indication that your toothache is due to a medical illness, your dentist might refer you to a doctor. Yet, there still could be myriad additional reasons for your toothache. Do not hesitate to visit with your dentist to get to the bottom of this mystery and find out what is really causing your tooth pain.
Request an appointment in our Santa Cruz dentist office here: https://www.kevinjdailydds.com.
A toothache occurs when one or more of your teeth have been damaged, and it might be a sign that emergency dentistry is needed. Toothaches are sometimes accompanied by a fever, and that is often a sign of an infection in or around a tooth.A dental infection is a serious health issue because the infection…
If you experience a dental emergency like a knocked-out tooth or severe tooth pain, your best bet is to visit the emergency dentist. However, some people opt to visit the ER for such emergencies, eventually wasting time and money. It is more vital than ever to know where to go when you experience serious issues…
Emergency dentistry focuses on treating dental issues that require immediate care, like an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection in a tooth. Some abscesses form at the tip of a tooth’s root, while others form in gum tissues around the infected tooth.An abscess can be quite…
Wondering when you should see an emergency dentist? Emergency dentists are general dentists who have undergone additional training to be prepared for urgent dental issues. Some of the more common emergent issues include broken teeth, dislodged teeth, abscesses or bleeding gums. An emergency dentist is the best resource to make use of when the gums…
The first thing that the dentist may do is discuss the patient’s treatment goals, which…
The most notable risk of dental implant restoration is implant failure. This refers to an…
Here are some tips for a smooth and quick recovery after your root canal.
Losing some of your teeth can affect your appearance and oral health.
A cosmetic dentist can help you achieve your dream smile through numerous treatments, all customized…
After tooth extraction, patients do not exactly need to be bedridden, but what they want…