7 Common Causes of Toothache That You Shouldn’t Neglect

Toothache is an extremely common issue that is familiar to many people all over the world. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, from typical cavities to more serious issues such as a developing abscess.

The first step in proper diagnosis and treatment, as well as future prevention, is to understand why your tooth hurts. This also lets your dentist know not just what they're dealing with, but also how they can keep the problem from becoming worse, maybe saving your tooth. In this article, we have gathered seven common causes of toothache that you shouldn't neglect.

1. Cavities

Tooth decay (cavities) is the most common cause of tooth pain. The tooth erodes and weakens as a result of decay, eventually resulting in a cavity. Cavities are fairly prevalent, especially in children, but they can be easily avoided with proper oral. Cavities can usually be corrected with tooth fillings if caught early enough. Depending on how far the decay has progressed, crowns, root canals, or even extractions may be required.

2. Tooth fracture

Oral injuries and cracked teeth can be extremely painful. Accidents, sports, and biting down on hard foods and even inedible items are all major causes of these injuries. All of these situations necessitate immediate dental attention, especially if the fracture spreads to the nerve endings in the center of the tooth. It doesn't mean you don't have a fracture just because you don't have a toothache. Small cracks can be detected and treated before they worsen if you visit your dentist on a regular basis.

3. Gum disease

Inflamed, red, or bleeding gums, as well as toothache, can manifest gum disease. Gum disease, just like tooth decay, may be avoided, but if it progresses too far, it can cause teeth to break or fall off. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis can help mild gum disease fade away and eventually disappear. Teeth, gums, and bones can be damaged or lost if not treated, and surgery may be required.

4. Dental abscess

An abscess is a collection of pus within a damaged tooth or along the gum line. Throbbing pain, fever, swelling mouth or throat, hot and cold sensitivity, and trouble swallowing or biting are all symptoms of an abscess. A dental abscess is caused by a bacterial infection that develops in the cavity or tooth fracture. Dentists will have to drain the fluid or perform a root canal to treat a dental abscess, but in some cases, it is impossible to save the tooth.

5. Impacted wisdom tooth

Wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. Even though these teeth may not necessarily cause problems for the rest of your permanent teeth, they can become impacted, which means they become caught in the jaw beneath the permanent teeth. Impacted and misplaced wisdom teeth are a quite prevalent cause of widespread dental pain. While dental appliances can correct misalignment, your dentist will need to remove the impacted wisdom tooth to relieve your toothache.

6. Enamel erosion

Enamel erosion occurs when your enamel is slowly dissolved by acids from your food, drink, or stomach. This condition can be avoided by eating a nutritious diet, practicing good oral hygiene, and scheduling frequent preventive cleaning sessions. If you have enamel erosion, your dentist can analyze the situation and recommend the best course of action.

7. Damaged fillings or dental sealants

Fillings that fill deep pits, grooves, or tooth fractures save the tooth's sensitive layers. Damage to these fillings exposes the sensitive inner layers of the tooth. This can cause pain ranging from a mild ache to a severe toothache that can only be relieved by visiting your dentist.