What Causes Toothache?

From time to time we can develop toothaches or throbbing tooth pain that can last for a day or longer, which can affect our eating habits, our ability to sleep, and how we go about our day-to-day lives. Knowing the causes of toothache is very important in properly treating the actual issue and not just relieving the toothache pain.

If you do not have a dentist in Leduc, contact our office to see a dentist if you experience toothache.

What Causes Tooth Pain?

Cavity

The most common cause for toothaches is a dental cavity. Cavities are usually caused by poor oral hygiene (failure to brush or floss regularly). They create a small hole in your tooth that can grow deeper and larger as time goes on. Cavities are also formed when your saliva mixes with sugary foods that then eat away at your tooth.

Gum Disease or Infected Gums

Gingivitis is the most common type of gum disease, and 5%-15% contract a more severe type of gum disease called periodontitis. Gum disease is caused by poor dental hygiene, resulting in plaque buildup.

Abscessed tooth

Abscess or an infection can cause a throbbing pain as a result of an untreated cavity, injury, or dental work. Especially if there is a fever is present, this may require antibiotics and drainage of the abscess, and a root canal should be performed by your dentist.

Chipped or broken tooth

One of the more obvious causes of toothaches is a broken tooth or knocked out tooth. If this happens to you, make an appointment with your dentist to get the tooth fixed immediately. If the tooth is broken, tape gauze or a piece of gum over the jagged edges so they don’t cut your tongue, gums or cheeks. If your tooth fell out, try to fit it back into its socket and bite down gently to keep it in place.

Grinding of teeth

Toothache can also be caused by bad dental habits as well, such as teeth grinding. You can develop tooth pain associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the joint that hinges the lower jaw to the skull, enabling you to eat and talk. When you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, you’re deteriorating your teeth as well as applying extra stress on your jaw muscles, leading to tooth pain and possibly TMJ or TMD disorder.

Wisdom teeth coming in

If you’re experiencing pain in your upper back and bottom molar area and still have your wisdom teeth, there’s a good chance that it’s time for them to be removed.

Don't postpone seeking treatment for toothache!

Whether or not you know the causes of toothache, be sure to call your dentist if your toothache lasts for more than 1 or 2 days. Don’t postpone seeking treatment to find the causes of toothache, as the issue will likely only get worse or more severe.

If you have concerns about your toothache, contact us at our Leduc dental office and our dentists will be happy to help you.