Why Do I Have a Toothache?

It’s easy to take your dental health for granted until you develop a toothache. Once a tooth starts to hurt, it can ruin your whole day. It’s the kind of pain that won’t go away, affecting your ability to eat, and bringing down your mood. As the pain persists, you inevitably wonder what might be causing it.

A common cause of toothache pain is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush your teeth and floss daily, it allows plaque to build up. The plaque produces acid, which can eat into tooth enamel, exposing the root and causing pain. Regular oral hygiene at home, along with routine checkups and professional cleanings, are the only way to prevent this.

Common Oral Health Problems

Gum disease is another cause of toothache pain. Often, gum disease shows no symptoms in its early stages, but eventually, as it worsens, it can cause sore gums, pain around teeth or bleeding. Gum disease needs to betreated as soon as possible in order to preserve teeth.

Sometimes poor dental repairs can cause pain. If a filling or crown is not fitted properly, it can result in a toothache. Even if the dental work was done correctly, there can be some tooth pain for a while afterward. However, if you experience pain for a prolonged period of time after having dental repairs done, let Dr. Rondon know, so she can alleviate it for you.

Other causes of toothache pain include tooth decay, fractures, abscesses, habitual tooth grinding or infections. In some cases, tooth pain is constant. In other cases, it is throbbing, or it might only occur when you put pressure on the tooth, such as when attempting to bite down on something.

Toothaches can be caused by damage from injuries. This is a particular risk for athletes, which is why it is so important to wear mouth guards while playing sports. If your tooth pain lasts longer than a day or two, it is important to make a dental appointment. Also, if the tooth pain has become severe, or if you develop a fever, earache or jaw pain when opening your mouth, it might be an indication of a more serious problem.

If the toothache is caused by an infection, it needs to be treated soon, because infection can spread to other parts of the face or it can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Whatever the cause, Dr. Rondon will find a way to alleviate the pain, so make your appointment today.