Toothache can emerge out of nowhere. The problem is, it is difficult to understand the cause of it. Pain in the mouth can suddenly throb out of nowhere. It can even disturb your sleep.
When you experience sensitivity in the mouth, it is a sign of toothache. A toothache should never be ignored. Whether it be curable using a home remedy or seeking emergency advice from the dentist, a toothache should always be considered as harmful. Whilst on some occasions the toothache may not be as painful, there is a chance that it is doing damage to your oral health. With oral pain, if you’re considering cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, whether it be in-office or through DIY strips, this is a red flag if your oral health isn’t strong.
Common Causes of Toothache
You undoubtedly know what it feels like, but do you know the cause of it? We break down the common causes of toothache.
Let’s read on.
Do You Grind Teeth At Night?
Many people grind their teeth during sleep. This is a condition known as Bruxism. It happens without noticing and can cause irreparable damage to teeth. Whilst there are solutions to reduce teeth grinding, such as investing in a Dental Mouthguard, teeth grinding leads to fractures and cracks in teeth. If not addressed early, it can potentially lead to losing more than one tooth.
Is Your Tooth Cracked?
Cracked teeth can stem from a range of things; a tooth can crack from an abnormal bite and eating foods. The crack runs from the biting surface of the tooth right down towards the root. When teeth crack, your enamel and dentin are exposed which can cause pain in the pulp. Also, there is more chance of it becoming infected.
Is Your Tooth Decayed?
Tooth decay is the process of acids wearing away at your enamel stemming from bacteria from foods. Tooth decay is a common symptom of toothache and needs emergency treatment. It is important that you’re aware of the foods that cause tooth decay so you can adjust your diet accordingly and incorporate softer, calcium-rich foods.
Is Your Filling Damaged or Dislodged?
Dental fillings are always susceptible to causing future dental problems. When you bite down on something hard, the filling can become loose or fall out entirely. This leads to a severe crack or chip that can create a gap between the tooth and the filling itself. Sometimes you may experience pain in isolation even after the filling is applied. This may lead to fever or swelling. You would need to contact your local dentist in Australia as soon as possible.
Is Your Decay Leading To Gum Abscess?
When decay hasn’t been treated, this can lead to an abscessed tooth. This means an infection has reached the tooth root. It also means that the enamel may be compromised, exposing the pulp. This spells danger to your neighboured teeth as well as the infection can easily spread. Decay requires emergency treatment to avoid gum abscess.
Summary
Toothache usually occurs when the pulp and the tooth root is compromised or inflamed. There are many reasons why your tooth may hurt. The trouble is, home remedies to reduce pain may not always work. Therefore, contacting your local dentist is vital as soon as you experience some pain. It may not necessarily be anything serious, but the dentist will be placed to understand this.
Contact your dentist as soon as you experience any sensitivity. Don’t forget, you can also learn about the most common dental emergencies.
Toothache isn’t just restricted to adults. It is also common in children too. You can read here to learn about the common causes of toothache in children.
If you’re seeking support from your local dentist, contact us and we’d be happy to help.