Toothaches can feel severe even when caused by a minor problem. This makes it difficult to determine if you should book an immediate appointment with a dentist or try home remedies to alleviate the pain. Familiarizing yourself with a few causes of toothaches can make this decision-making process easier. This post will explore the reasons why you may have toothaches.
Receding Gums
Your gums are designed to protect the jawbone, surround each tooth root, and safeguard the nerves. However, gum tissue can wear out due to age leading to a condition known as gum recession. Due to this condition, the roots will be exposed, increasing the risks of oral problems like infections and periodontitis. So if your teeth become more sensitive or start to ache, the underlying cause could be receding gums.
Cavities
A dental cavity, which occurs due to a lack of proper oral hygiene, can lead to toothaches. A cavity forms a hole in the tooth that grows bigger over time if the problem isn't addressed. You might also have tooth decay issues when saliva combines with sugary foods and eats away the enamel.
Noticing a decay problem may not be easy at first, and that's why most patients only realize it after experiencing tooth pain. Therefore, once you start feeling unexplained pain, visit your emergency dentist. Untreated cavities can infect other teeth, a problem that might lead to tooth loss.
Extreme Temperatures
If the enamel gets worn out or the teeth nerves are exposed, you will likely have tooth sensitivity issues. Consuming extremely hot or cold foods or beverages may lead to sudden pain. Visiting a dental expert will help alleviate the pain. The dental expert will also examine the cause of the sensitivity and provide proper treatment.
Tooth Damage
You'll likely feel pain when your tooth gets a fracture or breaks. Fractures usually occur due to direct trauma to the teeth via an injury or accident or biting hard foods. Some fractures develop slowly, and that's why such patients get toothaches occasionally. Mainly, the pain occurs when a foreign object enters the tooth's inner parts via the crack or fracture, thus causing pulp irritation. Some common culprits include food particles, bacteria, air, and water. Treatments like filling, crowns, and veneers can repair tooth fractures and ensure you don't experience tooth pain.
Every time you experience toothaches, seeing an emergency dental care professional is advisable. Even minor issues escalate over time, so the earlier you fix the dental problems, the better.
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