Imagine waking up on a quiet morning and looking forward to biting into your favourite breakfast! However, your first bite doesn’t bring the pleasure you were expecting as a sharp pain suddenly shoots through your teeth.
Moments like this are familiar to many of us. Maybe you’ve been to the dentist recently and everything was fine, but now you’re in agony. What could have happened? The causes of toothache are many and varied, and can often be caused by factors you wouldn’t think of. Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes of toothache and possible treatments to help you avoid the pain!
Toothache can be caused by more serious problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis or even a broken tooth. The important thing to remember is that toothache is never normal and always needs attention. The important thing is to find the cause of the pain as soon as possible and treat it properly.
Causes of toothache – what is toothache?
Toothache can be caused by many things. Typically, it is pain in or around the tooth, which can indicate minor or more serious dental problems. It can be temporary, such as a minor gum irritation, which you can treat with home remedies, but if the pain is caused by decay, infection or other dental problems, you will need professional treatment.
If you have an unbearable toothache – if it’s accompanied by fever and chills – see a dentist immediately! Although rare, an infection in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and bloodstream.
Types and symptoms of a toothache
Toothache can come in different strengths and the causes of toothache vary:
- Dull, constant pain
- Sharp, stabbing pain
- Throbbing pain
- Tooth sensitivity, especially to cold or heat
- Swelling of the gums
- Headaches
- Fever and chills
- Halitosis or bad breath
- Dentists working on your teeth
The most common causes of toothache are
1. Tooth decay
The most common cause of toothache is tooth decay. Cavities are usually caused by poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing regularly. This creates a small cavity in the tooth that gets deeper and bigger over time. Cavities can also form when your saliva mixes with sugary foods, which then start to eat away at the tooth.
Cavities are hard to notice at first, which makes them hard to spot in time. However, if left untreated, decay can infect the tooth and eventually lead to tooth loss or, in more serious cases, even more serious health problems. In this case, the most common dental procedure is a filling.
360 Dental Tip: To detect and treat tooth decay early, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist regularly! As a temporary solution, try a salt water rinse: mix half a teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water and rinse!
2. Tooth abscess
One of the causes of toothache is a tooth abscess. This is an infection that has reached the inside of the tooth, called the pulp chamber, and can spread to the top of the root. This can cause severe pain, swollen gums and even bone loss at the site of the infection. An abscess can form if a cavity has reached the pulp chamber or if the tooth has been traumatized, for example, by being hit or bruised. An abscessed tooth can be very painful and requires immediate dental treatment.
360 Dental Tip: Coconut oil is an antiseptic and can provide temporary pain relief. Swish a teaspoon of coconut oil around your mouth for two minutes, then spit it out! This may help reduce the inflammation, but it is only a temporary solution, so make sure you see your dentist!
3. Gum disease
Gum disease, such as gingivitis or more serious periodontitis, is a common cause of toothache. It’s usually caused by poor oral hygiene, which can lead to plaque build-up and, over time, swelling, bleeding and pain in the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to more serious problems such as tooth loss. 360 Dental Tip: Floss daily, brush thoroughly and use an antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash.
4. Injury or trauma
Tooth injury, such as a broken tooth, can also cause toothache. In such case see a dentist immediately so that the injured tooth can be treated properly!
If the tooth is broken, cover the jagged edges with gauze or chewing gum to prevent damage to the tongue or gums. If the tooth has fallen out, try to push it back into the socket and bite down gently to hold it in place, then see a dentist as soon as possible!
5. Wisdom teeth
One of the causes of toothache is wisdom teeth, which are often painful, especially if they are impacted or erupting at the wrong angle. If your wisdom teeth are causing the pain, you may need to have them removed to prevent further problems.
6. Teeth grinding/Bruxism
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can also cause toothache. This habit wears down your teeth and puts extra strain on your jaw muscles, which can lead to toothache and joint problems.
If you grind your teeth at night, try wearing a mouth guard in bed to protect your teeth!
7. Abnormal biting
Abnormal biting occurs when the upper and lower teeth are misaligned. This can make it difficult to bite and chew and, over time, lead to toothache.
When do you need a denture?
Dentures are needed when the loss of one or more teeth causes aesthetic or functional problems. A denture not only restores the aesthetic appearance of your smile, but also helps to keep your teeth healthy and your bite functioning properly.
1. Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. The procedure starts with the implantation of an artificial tooth root, which is later covered by a crown, bridge or denture. Implants provide a natural look and feel, so you can get your smile back.
2. Dental bridges
Toothache is often caused by one or more missing teeth, which can make your daily life miserable. A dental bridge is designed to replace one or more missing teeth. It is attached to the neighbouring teeth by two or more crowns, restoring the missing tooth and preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting.
3. Dentures
Dentures, such as removable dentures, are another option for replacing missing teeth. They are made to measure and offer a convenient solution for people who do not want implants. You can see that the causes of toothache are varied. It can be so mild that it is only a minor inconvenience, or so severe that it completely disrupts your daily routine. Whatever the type of toothache, it is important to listen to your body’s signals and see your dentist as soon as possible if the pain lasts more than two days! Early treatment can prevent more serious problems and help to avoid further pain.
