Regardless of how well you take care of your teeth, at some point in your life you’re likely to experience a toothache. While many toothaches are ultimately tied to tooth decay there are many causes of toothaches. Find out more about what might be causing that pain around, or seemingly “in”, your teeth.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is broad category of causes that can contribute to a toothache. However, whether it’s temporary or ongoing, it’s this spectrum of sensitivity that is a telling sign of tooth-related issues and advancing diseases. A few of the different causes of tooth sensitivity that can trigger a toothache include:
- Exposure to hot or cold food and beverages
- Receding gums
- Eroding tooth enamel
- A broken or cracked tooth
- A lost filling
- Tooth decay (a cavity)
- Gum disease
- Infection, including sinus, ear or within the pulp of the tooth
- Grinding your teeth (bruxism)
- Other medical complications
Toothache Severity
The severity of your toothache, coupled with any recent dental treatments, can help to indicate problem and pain you are experiencing. When the pain caused by a toothache is particularly sharp and stabbing, the cause is more likely to be a cracked tooth or a cavity as opposed to generalized sensitivity or something more advanced.
But, if you’re experiencing a constant, throbbing pain you likely have a tooth abscess or infection within the pulp of the tooth that is near a nerve. If you’re experiencing this type of severe toothache pain, coupled with swelling, you should contact your Dentist for an emergency appointment as soon as possible.
Preventing a Toothache
The most important thing you can do to prevent a toothache is to practice ongoing dental hygiene. With daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to your Dentist, you can provide your teeth with the best possible maintenance. In turn, you and your Dentist should be able to monitor changes to your oral health and take action to prevent issues from becoming more severe. When a threat to your teeth is noticed, such as a cavity, filling that cavity can help you avoid more serious consequences in the future, including related toothache pain.
When to Call Your Dentist About Your Toothache
If your toothache persists for more than 1-2 days and is causing you a tremendous amount of pain, you should try to schedule a dental appointment as soon as you can. At this stage, the cause of your toothache is likely so advanced that it will require intervention by your Dentist to rectify the issue. If your pain is dull or regularly occurring, give your Dentist’s office a call for more information or to schedule a consultation.