Causes Of Toothaches
Toothaches can range from mildly annoying to downright painful. How do you know when you should call the dentist to have it checked out? Dental cavities are a typical cause of tooth pain. In more extreme cases, the dental pulp—the inside of your tooth—becomes infected due to a crack or injury, which allows bacteria and germs to get in and cause issues.
There are a few other conditions that lead to toothaches, which include both dental and non-dental causes.
Dental Causes:
- Damage or decay of the tooth: Physical trauma, cavities, and infections can weaken the tooth and cause chips or breaks which lead to pain.
- Periodontal Disease: The swelling and irritation caused by gum disease can radiate to the teeth as well.
- Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they don’t have enough room to emerge, it can lead to dental, gum, and jaw pain.
Non-Dental Causes:
The direct origin of some toothaches are not caused by the tooth itself but from other issues that nonetheless have an impact on the teeth.
- Sinus infections: The pressure of fluid buildup of infected sinuses can cause aches in the jaw and teeth.
- Heart Attack: The acute pain of a heart attack can radiate into the lower jaw and produce the feeling of sharp tooth pain.
- Temporomandibular Disorders and Malocclusion: Misaligned jaws, crooked teeth, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can put wear and tear on the teeth, causing aching or painful sensations.
Treatments such as professional dental cleanings, crowns, and fillings to treat the tooth decay that often causes toothaches are ways to stop the pain. Good dental hygiene, however, will help prevent toothaches from happening in the first place.
If you are experiencing ongoing tooth pain, please call our Wellington office to schedule an appointment today. It’s important to treat the condition as soon as possible so that it does not become a bigger issue.
