Reasons Your Teeth Could Be Aching

Posted on: July 15, 2018

Teeth

Toothaches are typically caused by tooth decay that has been neglected to the point that it causes considerable physical pain. But there are other reasons for tooth pain. Anything from excessive teeth grinding or clenching to gum disease, infection, trauma or an erupting tooth can cause a toothache.

Here is a closer look at the different reasons why teeth ache.

Damage to the tooth

A tooth that has suffered physical trauma is likely to hurt. If the trauma is from a powerful force like a hockey puck, racquetball racket, baseball, football or something similar, the pain will be substantial. But even something as simple as a damaged or broken filling, dental implant or crown can also cause tooth pain.

Gum disease

Teeth might ache as a result of gum disease. Swollen and red gums are symptoms of gum disease and will amplify tooth pain. It is also possible that teeth can hurt from gingivitis, which allows plaque to accumulate to the point that it impacts the gums. If gingivitis is neglected, it will lead to periodontitis, which causes the inner portion of the gums to recede from the teeth, creating pockets that allow for food particles and bacteria to gather.

Sinus pain infection

Even sinus infections can spur pain in the teeth and other portions of the mouth. If pressure from sinuses filled with fluid causes pain along the upper rear portions of your mouth, there will also be significant pain in your teeth. A dental visit is required for advice regarding the use of decongestants and/or additional medications to minimize pain.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of oral pain. There are different levels of severity. Cavities will form holes within teeth, through the enamel and into the sensitive dentin beneath. Cavities that reach this level of decay will cause noticeable pain. If the tooth's nerve and pulp are infected, an abscess can form and spur even more serious tooth aching.

Additional causes of toothaches

Anything from tension along the facial muscles to TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), an ear infection or a sinus infection can cause tooth pain. In many instances, such health issues occur in unison with a headache. If there is an indication that your toothache is due to a medical illness, your dentist might refer you to a doctor. Yet, there still could be myriad additional reasons for your toothache. Do not hesitate to visit with your dentist to get to the bottom of this mystery and find out what is really causing your tooth pain.

Request an appointment in our Warren dentist office here: https://www.gentledental4u.com.


Related Posts

January 11, 2024

Root Canal Infections: The Symptoms and What You Can Do

Root canal infections occur when bacteria reach the central canals of your teeth due to exposure from taking a blow to the mouth or tooth decay. A root canal is a procedure …

September 7, 2022

3 Common Dental Restorations After Root Canal Therapy

Looking for root canal information? Understanding the root canal process is necessary for those who are in need of root canal therapy to improve their oral health. Part of the process is …

April 12, 2021

When is a Root Canal Recommended?

Looking for more information on root canal therapy? Root canals are special dental procedures that are necessary in order to save and restore one's oral health. While they do have a reputation …

May 1, 2017

Get Relief From an Infected Tooth With a Root Canal Treatment

People tend to fear a root canal treatment, which in a sense, is ironic. The procedure itself is not very complicated and will relieve pain instead of causing pain. Unfortunately, root canal treatment has a …