A toothache is a warning sign that something is wrong with your teeth. In most cases, a toothache causes pain to the gum, to the head and to all the surrounding organs. Depending on its severity, tooth pain can make you unproductive and restless. So what exactly causes a toothache? And it is necessary to visit a general dentist? Keep reading to know more about the cause of toothaches.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is the leading cause of toothaches. By definition, tooth decay is the damage or erosion of the upper surface of the tooth known as the enamel. Tooth decay happens when sugar and starch food particles overstay on the teeth. When you do not brush them off, they form a sticky bacteria layer that produces acid. The acid destroys the enamel, thus creating holes on the teeth. Most people do not notice a tooth decay until the tooth starts to ache. If you have tooth decay, visit a general dentist immediately and avoid over-the-counter medications.
Cracked tooth
A tooth may crack due to many reasons, but the main one is an accident. It can also happen if you bite hard objects. A cracked tooth experiences a sharp pain when eating, and it can also become susceptible to a particular food. Apart from the pain, a tooth crack brings an unpleasant experience. If your tooth cracks, visit a general dentist immediately to examine the degree of break and initiate a treatment plan.
Fallen filing
Your cavity filling can fall out anytime, especially if you exert too much pressure on the area. It can also fall out if you do not maintain it well or if the dentist did not follow the right procedures to install it. When the filling falls, it leaves a cavity, which can be very uncomfortable and painful. To prevent tooth pain related to the filling, make an appointment with your general dentist to repair it.
Bruxism and teeth sensitivity
Teeth grinding and clenching, commonly known as bruxism, can cause toothache. Many people grind their teeth at night when they sleep, and they might never suspect the clenching as the cause of the toothache. Bruxism can eventually cause teeth sensitivity and cause discomfort when eating certain food substances. Pains associated with bruxism and teeth sensitivity are very severe, and you should therefore not hesitate to visit a dentist.
Always brush your teeth thrice a day, using the recommended toothpaste. Also, maintain regular dental visits at least twice a year. And if you experience any tooth pain, visit your general dentist immediately to solve the problem before it spreads.
Share10 December 2019
I have worked as a school nurse for decades. Children come to me with all sorts of scrapes and bumps and bruises. Black eyes from playing football, sprained wrists from falling off the monkey bars and stomachaches from too many sweets are common complaints. However, the issue that seems to cause the greatest angst is tooth problems. Sometimes a child will have a second tooth knocked out when playing sport and parents arrive in tears. At other times, children come to my office crying because their friends are teasing them about teeth that are discoloured or stick out. I take an active interest in the latest dental news so that I can give parents and children comfort and advice. I have included some of my collected wisdom on these pages. Perhaps this information can help you understand some options when faced with a dental problem. Thank you for reading.