Toothaches are no fun. Unfortunately, toothaches are a part of life for people who fail to practice the best oral hygiene. There are a number of reasons a toothache may arise. If you’re suffering from a toothache, but you’re not sure what it might be, here are a couple of potential possibilities:
The Causes of Toothaches
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Dental Caries (Cavities) — Dental caries, which are more popularly known as cavities, are one of the most common sources of a toothache. Cavities form when tooth decay has progressed to a point where the enamel of the tooth begins to form a small hole or “cavity” in it. The formation of a cavity can be painful and lead to a toothache, but that isn’t always the case.
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Inflammation or Infection of Pulp — The pulp is the nerve center of the tooth. When a cavity becomes very severe and bacteria reach the pulp of the tooth, it can potentially infect and inflame the pulp of the tooth. In these scenarios, patients may experience very painful toothaches. In many cases, the solution to the problem is root canal therapy.
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Periodontal (Gum) Disease — Despite what the name suggests, gum diseases don’t just affect the gums. In many cases, an infected or diseased gum poses potential problems for teeth. When a patient suffers from gum disease, it can potentially cause infection that causes toothaches, such as in the case of an abscessed tooth.
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Impacted Teeth — Impaction of teeth most commonly occurs in the case of wisdom teeth. Impacted teeth are teeth that are unable to grow in properly due to a lack of space in the mouth. This can lead to teeth crowding and cause potential toothaches in the affected teeth.
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Chipped, Broken or Fractured Tooth — Teeth that are chipped, broken or fractured due to strenuous physical activity or from a condition such as bruxism may be subject to toothaches.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a toothache, get in touch with our staff at the Lakeway Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry immediately! We’ll be sure to help you with any questions and to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.