Common Causes of Toothaches
There are many different causes for tooth pain and a toothache could occur unexpectedly at any time. The pain may seem intolerable at times, and you may find yourself willing to do almost anything to make it stop. Often, most people wonder what is causing their toothache.
The most common causes of a toothache include cavities, a fractured tooth, and decay. A cracked tooth may also result in a toothache, though it can sometimes be difficult to recognize because they do not usually appear on visual examination or even on x-rays. If your tooth is cracked it may cause excruciating pain because a crack generally exposes the nerves and dentin to air, food, drink, etc. A cracked tooth will get worse if you do not have it repaired and may even break off at gum level without professional treatment.
Pulp irritation may sometimes occur after dental treatments and is another possible cause of toothaches. Regardless of how competent your dentist is and how well the filling or crown was done, you may still encounter future problems that may cause pain. Sometimes fillings loosen and come out and crowns may fall off and there is nothing that can be done except to see your dentist to fix the problem.
Another possible cause of tooth pain may be an exposed nerve or root. Generally, this is caused by forceful brushing which can damage your gums and cause them to recede. Once your gums recede, they may expose your root, which can cause immense pain. If you have an exposed root, anything you drink or even air may cause a toothache. To prevent this type of damage, always brush gently to avoid damaging your gums and use a soft toothbrush.
Use of tobacco products may also cause frequent toothaches. Chewing tobacco often causes tooth damage and pain because the tobacco can eat away at your tooth enamel, pulp and dentin. The damage can occur in a relatively short amount of time, especially if you have been using chewing tobacco for a long time. Smoking can also damage your teeth and cause toothaches.
While there are many causes of toothaches, there are several things you can do to prevent damage and ease pain. It is advisable to brush your teeth regularly and to visit your dentist frequently for check ups and professional cleanings. If you have a toothache, it may be in your best interests to see your dentist immediately and to determine what is causing it and have the problem fixed. If the problem is caught in time your dentist may be able to save your tooth and prevent it from having to be extracted. Early intervention may save you a lot of pain and money in the long run.