When it comes to teeth, there are many different things that can cause a toothache. A toothache can come at any given time. The pain can be unbearable at times, and you’ll do practically anything you can to make the pain stop. When a toothache first comes on, many of us wonder what is causing the pain.
Some of the main causes of toothaches include decay, a fracture in the tooth and cavities. A crack in the tooth can also be a cause, but it can be difficult to diagnose, since cracks will normally appear to be invisible to the naked eye and x-rays. Cracks can make your tooth feel as if it is exploding, as they expose the dentin and nerves to the air and anything else you put in your mouth. If you don’t get it fixed, it will get worse, and possibly lead to your tooth breaking off at the gums.
Pulp irritation is another cause of toothaches and it usually occurs after dental treatment. No matter how well your filling or crown was done, the materials that were used to fix the tooth can end up causing pain later down the road. There really is nothing you can do, since crowns sometimes come off or filling sometimes come out. If this happens, go back to the dentist and get the filling replaced or the crown cemented back on.
An exposed root or nerve can also be the cause of your toothache. This normally happens due to rough brushing, receding the gums and exposing the root. If the root is exposed, the air or liquid you drink can trigger a toothache. To prevent this from happening, use care when you brush and never try to brush your gums vigorously thinking it will get your teeth cleaner.
If you use tobacco products, you may more than likely get toothaches on a frequent basis. Chewing tobacco is a common contributor to toothaches and tooth pain, since tobacco eats away at your teeth. It doesn’t take long for it to happen, especially if you have been chewing for a long period of time. Smoking can trigger toothaches also.
Even though there are many causes of toothaches, there are things you can do to stop the pain and prevent toothaches.
- Always brush your teeth on a daily basis.
- Go to the dentist for your regular checkups.
- If you get a toothache, you should always go to the dentist and get the tooth fixed.
The dentist may be able to catch it early enough to save the tooth – which cam prevent you from having a root canal or loosing your tooth.
Call your South Tampa Dentist, Marnie Bauer DMD, for all of your dental needs – 813.839.2273