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The Causes of a Tooth Ache

Toothaches are very unpleasant experiences, and can be caused by different factors. Most are caused by dental problems, but other conditions can play a part. Proper oral hygiene will help prevent most toothaches, but given the situation, they sometimes cannot be avoided.

  1. Cavities

    • Cavities are the most common reason that a person suffers from a toothache. These are small holes in the outer layers of the teeth, caused by bacteria and saliva in the mouth. When the holes are created, food particles can become lodged inside, infecting the inner part of the tooth called the pulp. This infection is where the pain originates from cavities.

    Gum Disease

    • When teeth are not cleaned properly after meals, gum disease can occur. This typically develops over a span of years of not practicing good dental hygiene. Plaque, a mixture of food debris, saliva, and bacteria, forms at the gum line (where the teeth and gums meet), and begins to wear away the gums. The longer it is allowed to sit there, the more damage the plaque will do, until pockets are formed around the teeth that cause pain, swelling and irritation.

    Broken Tooth

    • Sometimes teeth can be cracked or chipped by eating hard candy, ice, nuts and other hard foods. This is known as "Cracked Tooth Syndrome" and can be very painful if the person tries to chew food with that tooth.

    Sinus Problems

    • Sinus infections and other problems can cause toothaches. The sinuses are located in the cheekbones, and the pain can radiate throughout the face, causing the upper teeth and gums to hurt.

    Impaction

    • Teeth can sometimes hurt when they are being pressed together. This happens when your wisdom teeth begin to come in. For most people, there is not adequate space in the mouth for wisdom teeth (the molars located in the farthermost areas of the mouth). Because of this, most of these have to be removed before they cause damage to the alignment of the other teeth.

    Sensitivity

    • Some people suffer from toothaches when they eat or drink something very hot or cold, due to a sensitivity to the temperature. Special toothpastes and mouthwashes can help reduce the sensitiveness, as well as avoiding the temperature which can cause the pain.

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