What are The Most Popular Causes of Toothache?

A toothache is one of the most popular dental problem globally. It is often the top reason why people finally visit the dentist. The pain can be nagging, dull and irritating or acute, intense and crippling. When a toothache strikes, it can cause you so much agony and discomfort that you will be forced to put all your activities on hold. Taking painkillers will only provide you with some temporary relief, but you will need to eventually seek the help of a dentist to identify the root cause and control the problem. For you to control a toothache, you need to know exactly what causes it. Here are the most popular causes for toothache.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay often starts as small cavities on the surface of the tooth that is often painless. However, the tooth can become very painful and sensitive after it penetrates to the inner layer of the tooth. Advanced level of tooth decay progresses deeper into the innermost layer resulting to an intense sharp pain.

Gum Disease

Another leading cause of a toothache is gum disease. It affects more than three-quarter of Australians over the age of 35. According to statistics, 5% to15% of these people contract a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontal disease. Gum disease causes swollen, red and bleeding gums which results to a toothache. A severe infection can lead to further swelling and loss of bone tissues around the teeth and can result in a dull throbbing pain.

Orthodontic Work

Retainers, braces and other alignment devices are a major source of a toothache. In most cases, pain occurs right after adjustments, which moves and tightens the teeth. However, the pain normally subsides after some few days.

Improper Brushing or Flossing

Sometimes people floss and brush their teeth far too hard. This results to inflamed, irritated and bleeding gums. This can also result in gum recession causing your teeth to become unstable and at the same time causing pain.

Wisdom Teeth

If you are experiencing some pain in your bottom molar and upper back area and you still have your wisdom teeth, the chances are that it’s now time for them to be extracted. Failure to extract wisdom teeth when they are ready to come out can cause significant pain. When a tooth tries to erupt where there is no space, it can cause pressure to the adjacent teeth resulting to a dull ache.

Dental Trauma

Dental trauma such as a fall, accident or injury can cause broken or fractured teeth which you may or may not feel or notice immediately. However, it is very unlikely that a tooth can suffer dental trauma and fail to notice. It will cause a severe pain especially if the fracture line runs through the pulp of the tooth.

Bottom Line

If you are suffering from a toothache, you should make a point to visit your dentist at once for diagnosis and treatment. If the tooth goes untreated, the condition that is causing the toothache can worsen, and you can end up losing your tooth. Moreover, whether you are suffering from a toothache or you are lucky enough to avoid it, the best way to prevent toothache is through regular dental check-ups.