Toothache can be enough to ruin anyone’s day. In the most extreme cases, those affected can experience persistent periods of discomfort and see their mood, work and sleep pattern disrupted by this lingering and relentless pain.
But why do our teeth suddenly begin to hurt? There are a number of possible reasons for the development of toothache, some temporary and some which can only be remedied by medical intervention.
Common Causes of Toothache
Our teeth endure their fair share of strenuous activity, helping us to break down food for digestion and supporting us in the formation of speech. Through life, the foods we eat and the amount of time we dedicate to the upkeep of our oral hygiene really can have an effect on the condition and health of our teeth.
Poor dietary choices and the lack of a proper brushing and flossing routine can leave us open to the development of dental and oral health problems, a symptom of which is toothache, an often very aggravating condition.
Listed below are some of the most common causes of toothache:
- Sensitive roots: Gum disease can lead to the exposure of the roots of our teeth. As bacteria linked to gum disease can break down the bone that normally protects the root of a tooth, this is left to experience heightened sensitivity. In this instance, certain foods – hot, cold or spicy – can result in our teeth becoming unbearably sensitive and force us to abandon eating some of our favourite meals.
- Tooth decay: Over time, the enamel that covers our teeth can be weakened by plaque bacteria. This can lead to cavities (holes in our teeth) and increased pain when eating and drinking. Dental intervention may be required to ensure that this does not spread to the entire tooth.
- Abscesses: An abscess occurs due to a buildup of pus in certain parts of a tooth, often as a result of infection. When abscesses occur, toothache can range from moderate to severe and, if left unchecked, can lead to the development of incredibly serious health conditions.
- The loss of a filling: After a cavity has been plugged by a filling, many patients enjoy being able to use their teeth to their full potential. There are occasions, however, when these can become dislodged and fall out. When this occurs, it makes sense that the pain that originally accompanied the emergence of a cavity once again reveals itself, making routine, teeth-based tasks difficult to complete.
- Wisdom teeth: The process of wisdom teeth establishing a place in your mouth can be a painful one, with specific areas of the mouth enduring great tenderness and swelling. In this instance, it is quite often the wisdom teeth themselves that are the source of the pain.
How Should Toothache Be Dealt With?
As with most common health conditions, there are a number of home remedies for managing toothache. These include taking pain relief, avoiding certain foods for a set amount of time, placing an ice pack around the affected area, gargling salt water or a solution comprised of garlic/cloves and elevating the head when trying to get some sleep.
However, these are quite often only momentary solutions to toothache. If you’re suffering with constant toothache, and this is only increasing in severity, it’s vital to get in touch with a dental professional.
Yew Tree Dental Care and Implant Centre
Yew Tree Dental Care and Implant Centre is a family-run dental practice with a long and established history. We make it our mission to ensure that all of our patients have a positive experience whenever they visit us and we’re well-known for the fabulous and sensitive care we provide to patients of a more nervous disposition.
If you’re struggling with a persistent and nagging toothache and would like to book an appointment with us, visit our website or call 01753 522 500.