What causes toothache?
Most of us are familiar with toothache in one form or another. You may have experienced temporary dental discomfort before or, if you’ve been really unfortunate, you may have suffered severe or persistent pain.
If you or someone you know is experiencing toothache right now, you may be wondering why. It can be beneficial to understand the potential causes in order to resolve your toothache and prevent recurrence. It’s important to note that if your pain is persistent, you should seek advice from a healthcare professional.
What can cause toothache?
Broadly speaking, toothache happens when the innermost layer of the tooth (known as dental pulp), which contains sensitive nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed.[1] This can happen for a number of reasons. Here are some of the most common:
- Tooth decay
Tooth decay starts when bacteria in your mouth comes into contact with sugars and starches from food particles and drinks, creating an acid. This acid attacks the enamel of the tooth, which can cause small holes, known as cavities, to form.[2] Without treatment, tooth decay can lead to sensitivity and pain.
- A chipped, broken or cracked tooth
If your tooth has been damaged, for example chipped, broken or cracked, you may experience a sharp or stabbing pain due to the nerve becoming exposed. If a fragment of your tooth has broken off, you should put it in milk or saliva and take it with you to the dentist. Depending on the exact nature of the problem, your dentist may be able to glue the broken piece back on. Alternatively, you may need a filling, a crown or root canal treatment in some cases.[3]
- A loose or broken filling
A loose or broken filling can also expose the nerve, leading to pain and sensitivity. If your filling falls out or breaks, it’s important to keep the area clean to prevent bacteria from getting into the pulp and causing infection. You could also consider using a temporary filling material such as DenTek Temparin Max Tooth Repair Kit until you can see a dentist. The kit is designed to temporarily hold lost fillings in place for up to 48 hours using ZOE (Zinc Oxide Eugenol) dental cement.
- An abscess
A dental abscess is a collection of pus that has built up in the teeth or gums due to infection. This usually causes intense throbbing tooth pain. Other symptoms to look for include swelling, a high temperature, sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks, redness, difficulty chewing or opening your mouth and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. If you suspect you have an abscess, you should make an urgent dental appointment.[4]
- Bruxism (tooth grinding)
Grinding your teeth can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain. This is because the grinding motion can cause your teeth to wear down or break. If you grind your teeth, you may experience heightened sensitivity and even loose teeth or fillings.[5] Taking steps to reduce stress, quitting smoking and using a mouthguard such as DenTek Maximum Protection Dental Guard, which provides a comfortable cushion between your teeth, may help to combat this problem.
- Gum recession
Gum recession means that your gums pull back from the surface of your teeth. This results in the root surfaces being exposed, making your teeth appear longer. Gum recession can be caused by a variety of factors, including aggressive toothbrushing and periodontitis.[6] If the roots of your teeth are becoming exposed, you may notice increased sensitivity and pain in some cases.[7] It’s a good idea to see your dentist who will be able to advise you on the proper toothbrushing technique and check for any other underlying problems that may contribute to your receding gums.
Why does toothache come and go?
Tooth pain can take different forms depending on what’s causing it. For example, you may experience a stabbing sensation with a cracked tooth or a persistent throbbing sensation with an abscess.
If you’re experiencing dental pain that comes and goes, it may be because the pain gets worse with exposure to air, hot and cold foods or toothbrushing. This type of pain could be a warning sign of tooth decay, gum recession or enamel loss.[8] It could also be caused by a cavity or a crack that may not even be visible to the naked eye.
If your pain keeps going away, it can be tempting to ignore it. However, if you’re experiencing intermittent dental pain, it’s best to see a dentist to investigate it to prevent it from getting worse.
Resources
[1] – https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mouth/toothache/
[2] – https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay
[3] – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chipped-broken-or-cracked-tooth/
[4] – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dental-abscess/
[5] – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/
[7] – https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/gingival-recession
