Why Do My Teeth Hurt? Most Common Causes of Toothache

17th January 2023

Why Do My Teeth Hurt? Most Common Causes of Toothache

Have you ever had a toothache? If so, you know how much they can hurt! But why do our teeth hurt in the first place? There are actually a few different reasons why your teeth may start to ache. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of tooth pain and what you can do to find relief. Keep reading to learn more!

 

What Causes a Toothache?

Having a toothache is not only uncomfortable but can be a mystery as to what the source of the pain is. It is important to understand toothache causes in order to treat the issue properly and prevent it from occurring again. 

 

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums and other supporting structures around teeth. This type of infection can cause severe pain in your teeth and gums if left untreated. It is important to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist for a regular check-up and clean. 

 

Cavities

Tooth decay occurs when plaque buildup causes the enamel to break down and expose the underlying layers of dentin, causing tooth sensitivity; this can lead to pain when chewing or even when the temperature changes.

 

Abscess

An abscess develops as an infection inside your teeth or gums and requires medical attention, as it can cause serious complications of periodontal disease if left untreated, such as receding gums. 

 

Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when teeth are unable to fully emerge from the jaw bone due to lack of space; this is often accompanied by pain as well. 

 

reasons why teeth pain sydneySinusitis

Sinusitis can lead to discomfort in your upper teeth due to pressure between the sinuses and maxillary roots. 

 

Damaged Tooth

A damaged or cracked tooth can be caused by trauma such as a fall or blow to your face, which then results in intense throbbing pain with cold foods and drinks. A broken filling may also cause sharp pains that can worsen over time. 

 

Teeth Grinding

Another cause of pain in your teeth is tooth grinding, also known as bruxism. It is an unconscious habit that can cause tooth pain and damage to your dentition. The jaw clenching and teeth grinding action put a lot of pressure on the teeth, leading to cracked or chipped teeth, abrasion on the enamel and sore gums. 

 

When to Get a Medical Treatment

When tooth pain strikes, it’s already a sign that something isn’t right in your mouth. Many people simply delay seeking treatment. However, no matter if you have chronic tooth sensitivity or your teeth hurt suddenly, it is important to see an experienced dentist as soon as possible.

A professional evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of the sensitive teeth or the sudden pain and provide an appropriate treatment plan that will help you get back to enjoying pain-free dental health. Regular exams at the dentist are key elements of preventative care which can go a long way towards avoiding toothaches and other issues before they become more serious or costly to treat down the road. 

 

 

Home Remedies for Toothache

If you are experiencing sharp pain, there are a few home remedies that can help bring you relief before visiting the dentist. 

 

Saltwater Rinse

A saltwater rinse can reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. 

 

Cold Compress

Apply a cold compress to the affected area. It will ease the pain and reduce the swelling. 

 

Garlic

For many years, garlic has been recognised to be an effective antibacterial component, so it won’t just relieve your pain but also kill the harmful bacteria in your mouth. Gently chewing garlic may also help dull the pain. 

 

Vanilla extract

Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can be used as an effective home remedy for toothache. Dab a cotton swab with vanilla extract and place it directly on the affected tooth to numb the pain. 

 

Guava leaves

Chewing on guava leaves can also help reduce inflammation and stop the pain. Try crushing a few leaves into a paste and applying directly to the affected area for an hour or two to relieve discomfort. 

 

common causes pain tooth sydneyThyme

Thyme has a powerful antibacterial effect.

Adding a few drops of thyme oil to a glass of water and swishing the liquid in your mouth for 30 seconds several times a day will provide soothing effects to the affected area and get rid of any bacteria in your mouth.

If you’re not sure what’s causing your tooth pain or if home remedies aren’t helping, be sure to see a dentist right away for an evaluation and treatment plan specific to your needs.

 

How to Prevent Toothache?

It is important to take the necessary steps to prevent toothache. Regular brushing and flossing are essential for protecting your teeth, as it helps to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause pain in the mouth.

Additionally, be sure to visit your dentist for regularly scheduled checkups and appointments so that any issues can be caught early on before they turn into a larger problem. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of calcium-rich foods also helps strengthen your teeth and reduce susceptibility.

Finally, minimise your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, which can leave residue on the tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities and other dental issues. Taking these measures will help you stay on top of any potential issues that could bring toothache in the future. 

 

Call to Schedule an Appointment

If you are experiencing tooth pain and would like to find out why, No Gaps Dental can help. Our experienced team is here to provide expert advice and guidance on dental issues. Contact us on (02) 8007 6727 today to schedule an appointment so we can get your smile back on track. We look forward to helping you take care of your teeth!

 

 

 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

 

 

 

 

References

Antibacterial Properties of Organosulfur Compounds of Garlic (Allium sativum)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8362743/

Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/

Antibacterial activity of essential oils from Ethiopian thyme (Thymus serrulatus and Thymus schimperi) against tooth decay bacteria
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7546913/

Studies on the antioxidant activities of natural vanilla extract and its constituent compounds through in vitro models
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17715988/

In Vitro Evaluation of Substantivity, Staining Potential, and Biofilm Reduction of Guava Leaf Extract Mouth Rinse in Combination with its Anti-Inflammatory Effect on Human Gingival Epithelial Keratinocytes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31779134/

The prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity in general dental practices in the northwest United States
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23449905/

Tooth Decay
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay

What causes sensitive teeth, and how can I treat them?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sensitive-teeth/faq-20057854

Periodontal Disease
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html#:~:text=Reference-,What%20is%20periodontal%20disease%3F,red%2C%20and%20they%20may%20bleed.

Toothache
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toothache/

Abscess
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/abscess/

Tooth Pain
https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/tooth-pain/