No matter how conscientious you are about your oral care routine, eventually in your life you will probably experience the discomfort of a toothache. Though a cavity is the most likely offender, it is only one of several possible causes of toothaches.
What Causes of Tooth Pain?
If you are experiencing sharp pains when eating or consuming hot or cold foods, it could indicate you have a cavity. It might also be a sign that you might have sensitive teeth, either from receding gums or from a thinning of your tooth enamel. While you are awaiting a dental appointment to confirm the reason for your delicate teeth, utilizing a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tooth paste created for delicate teeth might help relieve the symptoms.
Some Toothaches Are More Severe
If the pain you are experiencing is a sharp, stabbing pain when you bite down on your food, the cause of your toothache might be a cavity or a split tooth. If it’s a throbbing, relentless pain, on the other hand, you may have an abscessed tooth or an infection that should be taken care of as quickly as possible.
It Might Not Even Be Your Teeth
One less common, but substantial cause of tooth pain is a sinus infection. If just your upper teeth on both sides of your face are in pain, sinusitis might be the perpetrator. This sort of toothache is generally accompanied or preceded by nasal blockage and tenderness around your sinuses. If you suspect this is the cause of your tooth pain, you may want to see your doctor.
If your pain is more recognizable as jaw pain, it might be triggered by temporomandibular conditions brought on by a direct injury or injury to the jaw, by tooth grinding (bruxism), or by arthritis or cancer impacting the jaw. If your wisdom teeth have not been removed, affected molars might likewise be triggering you jaw pain.
See Your Dentist to Be Sure
Toothaches are not always severe. Periodic pain may seem like simply a hassle and not worth an immediate call to the dental office, but waiting until the pain becomes worse is rarely the best choice. Whatever the type and seriousness of your tooth pain, it is best to call your dental professional and make a consultation. The causes of toothaches are not always clear, and a conclusive medical diagnosis regarding the source of the pain and subsequent expert treatment is always the best strategy.