Common Reasons for Toothache and How to Find Quick Relief

A toothache can be painful, disrupting your everyday routine and impacting your overall quality of life. Whether it be sharp, sudden pain or a more persistent, dull ache, it’s important to determine the underlying reasons for toothache in order to achieve fast-acting and lasting relief. At Dental Peace, we believe that being aware of the causes of toothache will enable one to take the necessary steps in order to prevent more serious complications from arising within the mouth.

What Causes a Toothache?

There are many reasons for toothache to occur, and it may even stem from a problem other than your tooth itself. Here, we identify the most common causes of toothache.

1. Tooth Decay and Cavities

Cavities are one of the most common culprits of toothache. Cavities occur as acids produced by the plaque in your mouth cause wear on your enamel, essentially ‘eating through’ the protective layer. As decay progresses further into your tooth and onto the inner layer, you will feel a sharp pain, particularly when consuming food or liquid. This highlights the importance of regular brushing and flossing in order to prevent cavities.

2. Gum Disease and Infection

Gingivitis and periodontal disease can be a reason for toothache. Bacteria in the mouth cause infection in your gum tissue, leading to bleeding gums, soreness, and tooth pain. Gum disease is a major cause of toothache, and you will require the services of a dentist at the earliest opportunity.

3. Tooth Sensitivity

Worn enamel and exposed tooth roots often lead to teeth becoming over-sensitive. You may feel pain if you consume something hot, cold, or acidic. This often occurs when the outer layer of your tooth begins to erode, and the inner layer of dentine begins to show through. The difference here between this and a cavity is that this condition can often be treated with a change in diet and dental hygiene routine.

4. Cracked or Fractured Teeth

Another common reason for toothache is that you may have a cracked tooth. This crack could be tiny or something more apparent. Pressure exerted on the crack while you eat can create sharp pains in your mouth. If you suspect that you have a cracked tooth, you should see a dentist, as it can worsen.

5. Abscessed Teeth

An abscessed tooth occurs at the root of the tooth and is a bacterial infection. It will be accompanied by severe throbbing pains, perhaps fever, and a swollen face. This is a serious condition and means the bacteria have worked their way right into the heart of the tooth and will require prompt treatment in the form of root canal treatment.

6. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Teeth grinding and clenching often cause the jaw to ache as well as your teeth due to the amount of pressure being exerted. You may be unconscious of the habit. It often occurs while you are sleeping. Bruxism can cause significant damage to the structures of your mouth over time and will cause more dental issues. Speak to our dentists if you feel that you might be grinding your teeth at night; we can provide solutions for this.

Quick Relief Strategies

While we strive to treat the underlying reasons for toothache, there are certain at-home procedures you can carry out that can relieve pain:

An immediate solution to relieve pain can be rinsing your mouth with a warm salt solution, applying ice or cold packs to the cheek and/or jaw where pain is felt, and taking over-the-counter painkillers in accordance with instructions.
When having a toothache, avoid consumption of foods/drink which are too hot or too cold and eat soft foods if possible.
The easiest way to keep your teeth pain-free is to practice effective oral hygiene by cleaning your teeth regularly with the use of toothpaste and by visiting your dentist regularly.

Final Thoughts

Do not ignore a toothache! There are many reasons for toothache. Persistent pain lasting longer than two days means you need to call Dental Peace. Intense pain accompanied by fever, swelling, and difficulty in breathing or swallowing needs to be treated immediately. Book An Appointment with Dental Peace Today or Visit Our Clinic for evaluation and treatment for your toothache! Your smile is our priority.

Location:

C2/252, Kundapura, C-2 Block, Janakpuri, New Delhi, Delhi, 110058

17/28, Mall Rd, Old Market, Block 24, Tilak Nagar, Delhi, 110018