What Are the Most Common Causes of Toothaches?
Even a minor toothache can be a steady annoyance and distraction. A major toothache can make it difficult to function, and can have a damaging effect on your overall physical health. If you are suffering from a toothache, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Rockville dentist Victor R. Siegel offers various toothache treatment options. He is knowledgeable and experienced in general dentistry practices, and can correct dental problems that result in toothaches.
What Are the Most Common Causes of a Toothache?
There are many conditions that can lead to a toothache, and understanding the cause is the first step toward effective treatment. Some of the most common issues that can cause a toothache include:
- Tooth Decay - Over time, plaque, tartar, and bacteria can buildup on your teeth, and start to eat away at the tooth’s surface, wearing a hole through its enamel coating, and eventually reaching the inner dentin and the nerves and pulp at the tooth’s core. Tooth decay can cause heightened sensitivity, which can evolve into pain as the decay becomes more severe.
- A Tooth Injury - A cracked or broken tooth caused by a traumatic injury can be a source of tooth pain. But sometimes, we don’t realize the extent of the injury until days or even weeks after it occurs. Even if a tooth appears fully intact after trauma, it is still worth scheduling a dental appointment to have the tooth examined. You may have suffered a fracture, which could become infected or develop into more extensive damage over time. By having the tooth examined, your dentist will be able to correct the issue with conservative restorative treatment before it becomes a more serious issue.
- A Dental Abscess - Tooth decay or a tooth injury can lead to a bacterial infection within a tooth. If that bacterial infection is allowed to progress, it can lead to a dental abscess where pus collects around the tooth or within the surrounding gum tissue. This infection can cause swelling, along with sharp and severe pain, starting directly within the tooth itself and eventually spreading to surrounding gum and bone tissue. This can be a serious situation if it is allowed to continue developing.
- Chronic Teeth Grinding - Bruxism, also known as chronic teeth grinding, is a common dental issue that can cause extensive pain over time. The constant friction and motion of bruxism can wear away the surface of your teeth, cause them to become loose, and create pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and jaw. If your dentist discovers signs of teeth grinding, he will be able to do more than just repair any current damage - he will likely also offer treatments such as a plastic mouth guard to wear at night that will separate your upper and lower jaw and prevent future damage as well.
Schedule an Exam with Dr. Siegel Today
If you are experiencing even a mild toothache, don’t wait for it to develop into a more serious situation. Contact our restorative and cosmetic dentistry office today to schedule an examination, and let our experienced team get to the root of your toothache and find a treatment to restore your tooth to health.