Whether it’s sharp and sudden or dull and constant, tooth pain is hard to ignore!
A toothache or tooth pain is caused when the nerve in the root of a tooth or surrounding a tooth is irritated. Dental or tooth infection, decay, injury, or loss of a tooth are the most common causes of dental pain.
Photo via Ardin Advanced Dentistry
According to WebMD, tooth pain may also occur after an extraction, which is when a tooth is pulled out. Some pain originates from other areas and radiates to the jaw, thus appearing to be tooth pain.
You can sometimes feel jaw pain, ear pain, sinuses and even occasional heart problems due to toothaches.
Other than that, the bacteria growing inside your mouth can contribute to gum disease and dental decay as well, both of which can cause pain.
What causes toothache?
Inflammation to the central portion of the tooth can cause pain as it contains nerve endings that are very sensitive to pain.
These inflammations may be caused by dental cavities, trauma or infection. So, the first step towards relief is to find out what’s wrong.
Could it be sensitive teeth?
Photo via Instant Dentist
If your teeth are healthy, a hard outer layer of enamel covers them to protect the nerves inside. However, the enamel can wear away over time. When the middle layer of your tooth is exposed, anything you eat or drink can reach your nerve endings.
Gum disease can make your teeth sensitive.
Your gums shrink away from your teeth, and that exposes the roots. You also can damage your gums if you brush too hard.
But don’t worry, you can prevent the majority of dental problems by flossing, brushing with fluoride toothpaste and having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year.
Please see a dentist as soon as possible about your toothache! If you have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days, your toothache might be severe especially if you have a fever, earache, or pain when opening your mouth.
Take care, and keep brushing those teeth!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
