What’s Causing My Toothache?

Do you have a dull or throbbing pain around a tooth? That’s a toothache! There are a few reasons why you may be experiencing this dental discomfort. Read on to learn about what may be causing your tooth pain and how to treat it.

Common Causes of Toothaches

Misalignment

When your teeth are misaligned, they can push against other teeth and cause pain. Impacted wisdom teeth are often misaligned and can sometimes lead to severe tooth sensitivity when they’re trying to break through the gums.

Orthodontic Adjustments

If you recently had your braces tightened, you can expect to feel some discomfort over the next few days.

Poor Oral Hygiene

When bacteria becomes trapped under the gum line, it can become infected and cause pain around the tooth. The longer you go without flushing out these bacteria, the more widespread the decay will be.

Sensitivity

Weakened enamel or a recent dental procedure can cause increased sensitivity.

Grinding

If you grind your teeth, you may damage your enamel which can cause tooth pain. Moreover, clenching your jaw can lead to soreness and tooth sensitivity.

Gum Disease

One of the main signs of gum disease are bleeding gums, which can cause tooth pain as a result.

Fracture

If you’ve chipped or cracked a tooth, you may feel sharp pain when you bite down on the area where the nerves are exposed.

Toothache Treatments

Because the causes of toothaches vary, you should see Dr. Tran right away to determine the cause of your discomfort and a proper solution. Some patients need orthodontics to help align their teeth, while others may require a root canal to flush out deep areas of decay. The best thing that you can do before you come visit us is to ice your cheeks for ten minutes at a time to help alleviate any pain or swelling you may have. If you suspect that the cause of your toothache is due to bacteria overgrowth or decay, try to do a warm salt water rinse to flush as much bacteria out as possible.

Come Visit Us ASAP

There is no need to put up with a toothache. Not seeing a dentist can lead to further complications, so don’t put off your next visit! Our team at Springhurst Hills Dentistry can accommodate you as soon as possible and get you back to feeling healthy and pain-free again.