One of the most common dental complaints is a toothache. There is no doubt that pains are annoying and frustrating. Toothache pain can be a mild pain or excruciating pain. There are several reasons for toothaches including tooth decay, teeth grinding and even non-dental causes like a sinus infection. Here are the most frequent causes of toothaches.
Tooth decay- The most frequent cause of a toothache is tooth decay. Tooth decay can be a cavity, holes in the teeth causing pain because they penetrate the enamel and dentin of the teeth. A tooth abscess is also a form of tooth decay. An abscess can cause severe pain since it is an indication the tooth’s nerve and pulp is infected.
Tooth damage- Tooth damage can cause toothaches. Tooth damage can be things like a chipped, cracked or broken tooth and can also be a filling or crown that is damaged or broken.
Wisdom tooth issue- Toothaches are caused by a wisdom tooth that is misaligned or impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth are ones that don’t entirely come through the gum line.
Teeth grinding- Some people will experience teeth grinding while they are sleeping. The grinding of teeth is known as bruxism. Constant teeth grinding can wear your teeth down and also place additional force on the tissues.
Gum disease- Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is noticed by gums that are red and swollen. The pain from gingivitis is caused by the inflammation as well as the bone loss around the teeth.
A cluster headache- While cluster headaches are a non-dental issue; they can still cause toothaches.
Sinus infection- Many people that experience a sinus infection also have toothaches right along with the infection. This is because when your sinuses are infected, they get swollen, adding pressure to some of your teeth.