A toothache can be a real pain in the mouth—literally! Knowing what may be causing your toothache is key to getting the relief you seek. Here are 5 common causes of toothaches and how to identify them.

Decay or Cavities
One of the most common reasons for a toothache is cavities and decay. This happens when bacteria builds up on your teeth, forming plaque that eats away at your enamel. This can cause sensitivity and eventually pain as it continues to spread deeper into the layers of your teeth. If you experience a sharp, shooting pain when biting down or consuming something hot or cold, it’s likely due to decay or cavities. With this in mind, it’s vital to get to your dentist as soon as you can before things get more complicated.

When visiting your dentist, it’s important to explain the type of pain you are experiencing and how long you have had it. Be sure to mention any recent changes in your diet or lifestyle that may have an impact on your oral health. Providing your dentist with this information will help them accurately diagnose the cause of your toothache and provide you with the best treatment plan.

Infection
Another leading cause of a toothache is an infection in the gums, commonly known as gum disease. Symptoms include swollen gums and bad breath, as well as sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. If left untreated, this infection can lead to more serious dental problems such as root canal issues or even tooth loss. If you feel tenderness near your gums along with pain when chewing, consider seeing your dentist right away for treatment options.

Treatment for gum disease will vary depending on the severity. For mild cases, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning procedure to remove bacteria from around the teeth and gums, followed by antibiotics or mouthwash to treat any infection present. More severe cases may require scaling and root planing to get rid of plaque buildup below the gum line before antibiotics are prescribed.

In some cases, your dentist may also recommend surgery to treat severe gum disease and provide you with lasting relief from pain and discomfort. Regardless of the treatment chosen, regular follow-ups with your dentist to monitor progress is essential for successful recovery.

Tooth Grinding & Bruxism
Do you ever wake up with sore jaws? Or notice indentations in your tongue? These could both be signs that you grind your teeth while sleeping (bruxism). When grinding occurs too frequently or intensely, it can lead to worn-down enamel and increased sensitivity, which can then cause toothaches. If this issue isn’t addressed quickly enough it could lead to fractures in the teeth or even worse damage over time if not corrected by a dentist.

If you suspect you grind your teeth at night, there are a few steps you can take. To help prevent bruxism, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing every day. Stress can also be a contributing factor, so try to take regular breaks during the day and try to relax before bed. Additionally, avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine can help reduce stress levels. Lastly, consult your dentist about getting a mouthguard to protect your teeth while you sleep. With these simple steps you can help prevent the pain and discomfort associated with bruxism and help keep your smile healthy.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome
A cracked tooth can oftentimes go unnoticed until you start experiencing discomfort or sharp pains when biting down on food or brushing your teeth. This discomfort is caused by fractured enamel which exposes nerves inside the tooth resulting in pain signals sent from those nerves telling us something isn’t quite right! Cracked teeth should always be treated by a dentist right away so they don’t worsen over time and require more extensive treatments like root canals later on down the road.

If at some point you bite down on something hard and feel a crack, don’t dismiss it. Inspect your teeth immediately for any signs of damage, new trickles of blood, or the like. If you suspect you may have a cracked tooth, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth occurs when an infection builds up around the root of a tooth causing inflammation and swelling between two adjacent teeth resulting in pain (and sometimes fever). It’s important that if you think you may have an abscessed tooth, see a dentist immediately because if left untreated it could lead to more serious complications like bone loss around that area of the jawbone.

Treatment for an abscessed tooth usually involves draining the infection and restoring the affected tooth with a root canal or other dental procedure. If caught in time, antibiotics may be given to help reduce inflammation and bacteria in the area. After the infection is cleared up, your dentist may recommend capping or crowning the damaged tooth to protect it from further damage. In extreme cases, a tooth extraction may be necessary to remove the infected area and help reduce pain and discomfort. Whatever the case, it’s vital to treat an abscessed tooth as soon as possible to avoid potential dental complications that can arise from leaving it untreated.

When to Visit a Professional
No matter what the cause of your toothache is, it’s important to visit a professional as soon as possible. Only a dentist can properly diagnose and treat the underlying issue causing the pain. Your dentist will be able to provide you with an appropriate treatment plan that helps resolve the problem and relieve any discomfort or pain you may be experiencing, including any needed cosmetic dentistry or thorough cleaning.

There are many potential causes for a nagging toothache but identifying what might be causing yours is key for finding relief! From decay caused by bacteria build up on our teeth to bruxism from grinding our teeth at night – there are many possible culprits behind why we experience these pesky pains in our mouths! So if you experience any type of sensitivity or pain in one particular area make sure to get checked out by a professional who will help diagnose exactly what might be going on! With proper care from an experienced dentist, these issues can easily be remedied before further damage sets in!