Stop Toothache Now: The Five Main Causes of Toothache

Toothache can be a persistent and uncomfortable experience. Unfortunately the pain will not be relieved until the main source of the toothache is resolved. If you have dental pain you do need to go and see a dentist as soon as possible.   

There are five main causes of tooth decay.

1. Dental Cavities – the enamel on our teeth protects the sensitive inner tooth structure.  However this enamel can erode over time and can be damaged by plaque and tartar.  This creates holes or cavities in the enamel exposing the underneath layers.  Minor dental cavities can be painful but your dentist will be able to treat these easily by filling the holes.  If the damage is close to the inner pulp of the tooth where the nerves are located this can be extremely painful.  You may need Root Canal Treatment to resolve this problem.  This involves removing the inner pulp of the tooth and replacing it with a synthetic filling.

2.  Gum Disease – this is a common condition which is caused by poor dental hygiene.  Bacteria can colonize the teeth forming plaque and tartar deposits.  These bacteria release toxic by-products which attack both the teeth and gums.  The most common symptom of gum disease is bleeding gums and if left untreated this can causes serious dental problems.  The gums can recede and leave the delicate root of the tooth (where the root bundle is located) exposed to damage.  Gum disease can be an uncomfortable condition and can affect all of the teeth causing damage and toothache.

3.  Tooth Injuries - trauma can occur to the teeth, gums and jaw bones.  Minor damage should heal within a few days, but if the tooth structure has been damaged further treatment may be required.  Damage can include fracture of the tooth and surrounding area.  This can cause considerable discomfort and pain if the dentine layer or nerves have been exposed. 

4. Sinus Infection – the sinuses are located just behind the nose and are in close proximity to the roots of the upper teeth.  Sinus infections can cause localized dental pain in the upper teeth and sufferers may need to see a specialist Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) consultant for further treatment. 

5. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) – the Temporomandibular Joint is located at the junction of the mandible and skull.  A number of factors can contribute to TMD and because nerves are located at this junction this condition can cause significant dental pain. Dentists will be able to diagnose TMD and sufferers will need the condition managed by a dental specialist.

Dental pain is a localized problem, so it will not go away until the main cause of the pain has been identified and treated.  It is important not to ignore dental pain as the problem will just get worse and you may end up needing more treatment if you don’t see a dentist as soon as possible.