Many people consider toothaches to be one of the worst types of pain that you can have, largely because the discomfort you experience often isn’t isolated in just one area.

Not only can you feel anything from a dull ache to a sharp pain in your actual tooth, but you can also suffer from a pounding headache, sore and swollen gums, and even earache.

People who have toothaches may find themselves unable to enjoy certain foods or drinks, and may even have their ability to talk normally compromised.

As with all medical problems, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, although you will require intervention from your dentist in order to treat your pain, the best thing that you can do to prevent tooth pain in the future is to identify the cause of your discomfort, and try to stop it from happening again.

There can be many reasons why you are experiencing tooth pain. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of toothaches.
 

Tooth Decay

Unsurprisingly, the primary cause of tooth pain is decay. Try as we me might to brush our teeth, most of us experience some level of tooth decay at some point during out lifetime.

For the tooth to start to hurt, the decay will have needed to penetrate the inner layer of the tooth, known as the dentin. However, if the pain becomes very severe or sharp, then the decay may have reached the center of the tooth and be affecting the root.

If tooth decay is responsible for your pain, you will probably need restorative treatment such as a cavity filling, dental crown or in some severe cases, root canal. Your dentist will be able to advise you which treatment is right for you.
 

An abscessed tooth

If your tooth decay is advanced, it may have begun to infect the surrounding soft tissue. If this happens, it can cause an abscess to develop.

Abscesses can generate pain that is severe and widespread, which can make it difficult to determine exactly which tooth is affected.

You will need to seek professional help as soon as possible to prevent the infection from worsening and putting your teeth and jaw bone in jeopardy.
 

Gum disease

Gum disease is an extremely common condition that begins with red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush your teeth.

As the disease progresses, it also causes pain. Left untreated, gum disease can cause the jaw bone to deteriorate, and the teeth to become loose or even fall out.

Visiting a hygienist regularly, flossing daily and using products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes designed to target gum health can help to prevent it from occurring.
 

Broken teeth

Although teeth are considered to be relatively strong, they can become chipped or broken, usually as a result of eating something particularly hard or sticky, or because of an accident or injury.

If a broken tooth is the cause of your pain, the fracture is likely to have reached the center of your tooth where the nerve endings are. The most common treatment for a broken tooth is a dental crown, which sits over the top of the tooth, holding it together.
 

Teeth Grinding and Dental Pain

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is also a common condition and can cause pain in the teeth, jaw, neck, ear, and head.

Many people grind their teeth subconsciously while they sleep, while others may grind or clench their teeth as a result of stress or anxiety. Bruxism can cause teeth to erode or become chipped or cracked.

Dental mouthguards are often worn to prevent the teeth from coming into contact with one another. While not always effective, you can also try stress-relieving techniques, such as yoga or meditation.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, you will probably be in extreme discomfort and find that it is severely affecting your day to day life. Make an appointment with Dr. Barotz as soon as possible to discover the cause of your dental pain, and get started on the right course of treatment.