Guide To The Causes Of A Toothache

A toothache occurs when the nerve surrounding a tooth or in the root of a tooth has become irritated. The majority of dental issues can be prevented by getting professional teeth cleanings twice yearly, brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing. A toothache may present as anything from uncomfortable pressure to severe pain. The pain might intensify when an individual presses the tooth. Some patients also experience serious pain when their teeth are exposed to cold or hot stimuli. After removing the stimuli, the pain might continue for longer than fifteen seconds. Pain might also radiate to the jaw, ear, or cheek.

Get the details on what can cause a toothache to occur now.

Cavities

Cavities occur when there is permanent damage to the hard surface of the teeth, leading to tiny openings. Several factors can cause cavities including improper tooth cleaning, sipping sugary drinks, snacking frequently, and having bacteria in the mouth. Cavities are particularly common in older adults, teenagers, and children, though anyone with teeth can get a cavity, even infants. Cavities that remain untreated become larger and cause problems in deeper layers of the teeth. Cavities can cause severe toothaches and infection. At the start of a cavity, individuals might not experience any symptoms. More serious tooth decay might cause symptoms like spontaneous tooth pain, teeth sensitivity, pain when drinking or eating something cold, hot, or sweet, pain when biting down, and visible pits in the teeth. A toothache is a reason to see a dentist. It's also important for individuals to get regular teeth checkups, since some cavities don't cause any symptoms until they've become advanced. The destruction leads to irritated and swollen tooth pulp, which then causes nerve compression.

Learn more about the causes of a toothache now.

Tooth Decay

Decaying of the teeth happens when the protective enamel around teeth becomes damaged and worn away. If plaque isn't properly cleaned away, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove. Bacteria feed on plaque and can cause an infection in an individual's mouth. Plaque also contains acids that leech away the minerals in tooth enamel. The erosion causes holes to open in the enamel. After the enamel has been worn away, the acids and bacteria begin to damage the dentin layer of the teeth. This destruction happens more quickly, since dentin is not very resistant to acid. The dentin in teeth contains small tubes that communicate with the nerves, which leads to sensitivity. When the acid eats through the dentin, it reaches the pulp, and this inner portion of the tooth swells. Since the swelling doesn't have anywhere to go, the nerve becomes compressed, which can lead to constant and serious pain.

Keep reading to learn more about toothache causes now.