The throbbing pain of a toothache can be incredibly distressing. It disrupts daily routines, makes eating unbearable, and often leaves you desperately seeking relief. However, understanding the root cause of toothaches is the first step towards finding effective remedies, allowing you to enjoy your favorite activities once again.
At North View Dental, our team understands that a toothache can make everyday activities incredibly uncomfortable. Whether you are struggling to eat or speaking is causing pain, it can be frustrating to deal with. However, with the proper knowledge, you can learn what is causing your pain and how you may be able to address it.
If you have suddenly developed a toothache that you just can’t shake, keep reading to learn the most common causes.
1. You Have a Cavity
If you have a toothache, one of the most common causes is a cavity. Cavities are damaged areas on the surface of your tooth as a result of tooth decay. This decay may lead to holes or openings in the tooth. When these holes appear, the pulp of your tooth may begin to swell, putting pressure on the nerve. As your cavity worsens, you may notice the pain becoming more persistent. The pain from a cavity is sharp and sudden, often following eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet. If you attend regular dental cleanings, they should catch the signs of a cavity early enough to treat it before this pain becomes more severe.
2. Your Tooth is Abscessed
While a cavity may have been the initial cause of your toothache, ignoring this can lead to an even more significant problem and persistent pain. Cavities that go untreated can result in the formation of an abscess. When you experience an abscessed tooth, you may experience pain when chewing, extreme temperature sensitivity, and swollen tissue surrounding the tooth. The pain that accompanies this may feel like a sharp, shooting, or throbbing pain that spreads to your ear, jaw, or neck and gets persistently worse. This does need to be treated as soon as possible, as ignoring it can lead to tooth loss and sepsis.
3. There was Trauma to the Tooth
There are many ways that you may experience trauma to your tooth. From sports injuries to falls, your teeth are not immune to trauma. In some cases, the trauma may be significant enough to turn into a toothache. Immediately following this trauma, you should seek attention from your dental professional. The toothache that follows may initially feel dull or achy but should subside within a few weeks. However, if the trauma is significant enough, it may take several months to heal.
4. You Have Gum Disease
The CDC reported that approximately 43% of Americans have some form of gum disease. As bacteria grows in your mouth and plaque builds up, you may experience red, bloody, or swollen gums, as well as bad breath that won’t go away. This disease may get progressively worse and lead to tooth loss if it is left untreated. Individuals with gum disease often describe the toothache as a dull or throbbing pain. However, this pain may get much worse as your gum disease goes undiagnosed and untreated. It is in your best interest to seek treatment as soon as possible to preserve the health of your teeth and alleviate discomfort.
5. You’re Grinding Your Teeth
Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition in which you may unintentionally gnash your teeth. It can be caused by anxiety and sleep problems. While mild bruxism doesn’t require treatment, it can become more uncomfortable and lead to persistent aches and pains. The aches that accompany bruxism often feel like a dull ache in the joint of your jaw. If the pain doesn’t go away on its own, you may want to speak to your dentist about treatments for bruxism, including wearing a nightguard, dental corrections, or stress and anxiety management.
6. Your Wisdom Teeth are Erupting
If you are experiencing a toothache close to the back of your mouth and you didn’t previously have your wisdom teeth, this might be a sign that they are erupting. The amount of time required for your wisdom teeth to come in varies from a few weeks to several months. This pain often feels like a pressure sensation as the tooth makes its way through your gums. It may be accompanied by gums that are tender to touch or swelling of the surrounding tissue. This pain should subside once the teeth are in. However, if it doesn’t go away, you may want to speak to your dentist about extraction.
Remedy Your Toothache at North View Dental
If you are looking for a reliable dental team in North Ogden to help you recover from a toothache, turn to our team at North View Dental. Our team has been providing reliable and comprehensive dental care to patients across the Wasatch Front for decades, and we’re confident that we can identify the cause and provide a quick remedy.
Whether you are dealing with toothaches, want to improve the appearance of your smile, or want to schedule dental cleanings, our team provides a variety of treatments to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team or you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
