The Causes of Toothache

We've all experienced toothaches from time to time, some may be serious while others are merely uncomfortable. In any case, they are definitely an unwelcome annoyance.

There are several reasons that a toothache may start, with the most common being tooth decay, fractures, or cavities. Tooth pain can be worse than any other you've experienced, and can be very difficult to get rid of. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent and reduce toothaches.

A crack in your tooth can be difficult to diagnose, as they are often invisible to the naked eye, and sometimes even x-rays cannot detect them. A crack in a tooth may expose the dentin (the middle layer of the tooth, which surrounds the pulp and lies underneath the enamel), which can cause excruciating pain and may lead to further tooth damage.

Following a dental procedure, you may also experience irritation of the pulp (the soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue). Sometimes this is inevitable, because even if a filling or crown is done perfectly, the materials used may irritate the nerves. If this becomes a problem, you should return to your dentist quickly to have the problem resolved.

An abscessed tooth may also be to blame. This is a serious infection in the pulp, and when the pulp begins to die, bacteria overgrow into the tissue underneath the tooth and create a pocket of pus. This type of infection require immediate dental care and a course of antibiotic treatment, as the bacteria may spread to other parts of the mouth and jaw, and in extreme cases it may even progress into the brain.

An exposed nerve or root may also cause intense pain. Brushing too roughly can cause this, as it causes the gums to recede and exposes the root. If this happens, anything can trigger a toothache, even the air you breathe or liquids you drink. Always be sure to brush softly, taking care not to scrape the gums too hard.

Tobacco use is also one of the primary causes of toothaches. Chewing tobacco can eat away at the teeth, causing pain. Smoking can also cause this to happen. Tobacco products stain and ruin the teeth, so keep this in mind if you are a tobacco user.

Some preventative measures you can take to stop toothaches are brushing everyday and visiting the dentist for a regular checkup. If you have a persistent toothache, you must get immediate dental attention to have the tooth repaired or removed. Otherwise, it will quickly get worse and may spread to other teeth, depending on the cause of the toothache.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases among humans, and it is important to learn proper techniques for dental care. If you take the time to care for your teeth, you can prevent a lot of pain and suffering.