What Causes A Toothache?

Not every toothache is the same, and the most important piece of information in treating it is determining what causes a toothache. There are quite a few reasons why you may be experiencing some discomfort. Read on to find out some common reasons why you might be experiencing a toothache.

Brushing and Flossing Improperly

Brushing and flossing is an integral part of oral health, and doing it wrong can be one of the more common causes of a toothache. On one end of the spectrum, not brushing and flossing well enough can leave your teeth susceptible to cavities. On the other end, overzealously brushing with hard pressure can cause pain and irritation in your gums and teeth. Be gentle, be thorough, and be consistent with brushing and flossing to keep your teeth at their healthiest and happiest.

Teeth Grinding

Grinding your teeth can cause anything from jaw pain to toothaches. An often silent problem, it can leave puzzling patterns of discomfort. There are many reasons for grinding teeth, but one of the more common ones is stress. Try as best you can to relax before bed and reduce stress as much as you are able.

Sensitive to Temperature

Generally these kinds of toothaches can be an indicator of a deeper issue, such as worn enamel or a forming cavity. Recent tooth whitening may be the source of temperature sensitivity, causing a toothache. If you haven’t recently had an in office whitening, talking to your dentist about what may be causing the sensitivity may be an important way to help you pinpoint whether it is an urgent need, or something you can manage from home.

Gum Disease

Bleeding gums, and dull generalized discomfort can be symptoms of gum disease. Early forms of gum disease require diligent dental hygiene to help encourage better oral health. The same cause for cavities can cause inflammation of the mouth when plaque builds up, affecting your oral health adversely.

Tooth Abscess

One common cause of a toothache is a tooth abscess. This infection of the tooth and surrounding tissue can cause discomfort that is local to one area of your mouth. If you suspect you have an abscess, call your dentist to discuss how likely you are to have an abscess, and what your dentist can recommend as a course of action.

If you need to consult with a dentist during this time about your current dental care needs, call our Maricopa Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.