Toothache? Five Common Culprits

Anyone who has had a toothache knows it can be extremely painful and difficult to alleviate. You may be unsure why your tooth hurts, and other illnesses, like sinusitis, can cause pain that manifests as a toothache. Here are five common culprits!

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the most common cause of toothaches, and it affects nearly all American adults. According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, 96 percent of Americans have tooth decay by age 65.

Bacteria in the mouth and food form sticky plaque when they mix with saliva in the mouth. Regular and proper brushing and flossing help remove plaque before it begins to decay the tooth enamel. 

Once a tooth begins to decay it can gradually reach deeper layers of the tooth. Once the decay forms a cavity in the tooth and reaches the dentin layer, the tooth will begin to hurt. If the cavity reaches the center of the tooth, the pain may become sharp and severe. 

Abscess

If you have a toothache that causes constant, throbbing pain, you might have an infection or an abscess. An abscess can also cause a sharp or shooting pain, particularly when you bite down. 

An abscess is a dental emergency that should be treated promptly. Abscess treatment involves draining the abscess and antibiotics for treatment of the infection. In some cases, a root canal is needed to remove the infected pulp inside the tooth.

Common causes of abscesses include severe gum disease and untreated cavities. Damaged teeth can also allow bacteria into the gums, which can lead to an abscess if the gums become infected.

Sensitivity

Sharp tooth pain when you're eating or drinking often points to a sensitivity issue. You might also feel pain when your teeth are exposed to extreme heat or cold if you have sensitive teeth.

Teeth become sensitive when the enamel wears away or the gums recede and expose the dentin of the tooth. Toothaches caused by sensitive teeth may not be as severe as those caused by cavities or abscesses but should still be examined by your dentist.

Wisdom Teeth

Many people experience a toothache that ranges from mild to severe due to their wisdom teeth — the molars in the very back of the mouth. These teeth can cause pain when they first come in and erupt through the gums.

Wisdom teeth may become impacted if they are misaligned as they grow or if they end up pushing against other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can become infected and are prone to decay.

Pain from wisdom teeth is typically localized at the back of the mouth and may manifest as jaw or gum pain. Wisdom teeth in the upper jaw can lead to a sinus-like headache.

Tooth Trauma

Any type of trauma to a tooth can lead to a persistent toothache or pain that comes and goes with pressure or touch on the affected tooth. Chips, cracks, and fractures are common tooth injuries that can result from any kind of facial trauma.

If you have a toothache that doesn't go away after a day or two, you should see your dentist to rule out serious issues and get prompt treatment for the underlying cause.