TOP 10 CAUSES OF TOOTHACHES

1.  Tooth Decay

• We all know that the most common cause of toothache is tooth decay.
• Pain begins when the decay creates a cavity and reaches the nerves that lie in the inner layer of the tooth.
• A damaged dentin exposes the nerves, which can cause acute pain.
•  When the pain progresses from an ache to a sharp tinge, the tooth decay may have reached the centre of the tooth.
• If left untreated, the decayed tooth would cause excruciating pain, which can bring the patient down on his or her knees apart from causing further oral damage.
• If you experience any of these conditions and symptoms above and are wondering which disorder in this list you are afflicted with, call your dentist immediately.
• A dental professional can identify your ailment with a simple examination.
• Delay would not only prolong your suffering but transform a small problem into a bigger one.
• There are multiple options for medications however, medicines cannot solve all dental problems and sometimes a probing inquiry will be required.
•  And it’s perfectly normal to be anxious about a dental examination. 

2. Tooth Abscess

• When decay in a tooth reaches the root beneath it, the root and the surrounding tissue become infected.
• The infection causes a pulsating pain that is widespread and it may be difficult to identify the tooth from which the pain emanates.
• This is a serious problem, which can only be dealt by a dentist to avoid tooth, bone and tissue loss, and of course, the associated pain. 

3. Gum Disease

• If you have a general ache in the mouth or red gums, you probably have gum disease.
• Gum disorders can also cause them to bleed, leading to infection and toothaches.
• Gum disease is the result of inflammation of the gums and oral bones.
• If the pain is not severe, it may go unnoticed for some time, but neglect can damage the teeth and bones and cause the disease to worsen.
• The resultant damage may lead to falling teeth and may permanently damage the bones and gums, in which case surgical measures would be the only treatment options.

4. Fractured Tooth

• Teeth can crack or get chipped through a fall, something hard hitting the mouth or by biting something hard or even sticky.
• Cracking or chipping may not bring immediate toothache, but pain can result if the fracture deepens or the chipping worsens.
• If the tooth is fractured till the middle where the nerve endings lie, it can result in excruciating pain.
• Chipped or fractured teeth should be attended by a dentist as soon as the damage occurs and before they expose the sensitive nerves. 

5. Temperature Sensitivity

• Sensitive teeth often cause sharp tooth pain while consuming something that is cold or hot.
• The pain may persist even after eating or drinking.
• The teeth become sensitive when the enamel of the tooth wears down and exposes the nerves of the teeth present in the dentin layer.
• If the teeth have been whitened recently, it can also cause sensitivity to extreme temperatures. There are special toothpastes for sensitive teeth, which shield the nerves in the dentin from dentally-hostile temperatures.
• A dentist can recommend the right toothpaste or other treatment modalities for you. 

6. Dental Sealants and Damaged Fillings

• Dental fillings and sealants are meant to cover the grooves, pits and fractures in teeth and protect the sensitive and vulnerable inner parts.
• When these coverings are damaged, the inner parts become exposed to food particles, extreme temperatures and bacteria.
• The resultant pain can range from a dull ache to acute, piercing pain.
• If you notice any interruption in your dental sealant of filling, book an immediate appointment with your dentist.
• Timely repair of the damage will prevent the inner, sensitive parts of the teeth from exposure and decay. 

7. Grinding Teeth

• Some people are prone to grinding their teeth in stressful situations or while sleeping.
• Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a common cause for muscle pain related with the teeth, jaw or neck.
• Excessive grinding of the teeth involves violent clenching of the jaw and back and forth grinding of the top and bottom teeth against each other.
• Bruxism can result in sore teeth, and jawbones, aching joints and headaches.
• Teeth grinding may even cause teeth to crack or become chipped, conditions which can be very painful.
• The best way to treat bruxism is to desist from teeth grinding. 

8. Incorrect Brushing or Flossing

• People often apply unnecessary pressure while brushing or flossing their teeth.
• The extra pressure causes irritation, inflammation or bleeding of the gums.
• If the pressure is exerted over a prolonged period of time, the gums may recede and make the teeth unstable, resulting in toothaches.
• It is best to educate yourself on the proper brushing and flossing techniques.
• People who are prone to put their gums at risk by incorrect brushing should use toothbrushes with soft bristles. 

9. Wisdom Teeth or Misaligned Teeth

• When some teeth are misaligned they may press against others and even push them out of line, causing toothaches.
• Impacted wisdom teeth or wisdom teeth that have failed to break through the gums can also cause much pain.
• They can fester under the gum line, causing much pain or push against other teeth with the same excruciating result.
• These disorders can be promptly dealt with a dentist.
• Braces or other appliances may be recommended for misaligned teeth.
• If a wisdom tooth is impacted, removal of the tooth by an oral surgeon will be needed.

10. Orthodontic Alignment

• Dental alignment with braces and retainers are some of the most notorious causes of oral discomfort and dental pain. The pain associated with tightening or aligning teeth subsides after a couple of days. However, if the pain is excruciating and persistent, you should speak to your orthodontist. A small readjustment of the dental appliance may be required before the pain goes away.

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