What’s Causing My Toothache?
Causes of Toothaches
Do you feel sharp pains or constant discomfort in your mouth? Are your gums painfully swollen? Does chewing, even ever so lightly, cause you to wince in pain? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be suffering from a toothache. In order to properly treat it, you need to figure out what’s causing your toothache in the first place.
- Tooth Decay: This is the most common cause of toothaches. Small cavities on your teeth may not bother you, but once those cavities dig below your enamel to the dentin, your tooth becomes very sensitive. If the decay progresses further, you’ll feel a sharp, stabbing-like pain until the problem is resolved.
- Tooth Trauma: If you took a blow to the head or had a nasty fall, there’s a chance your tooth could have been fractured or broken. You may not notice any problems at first, but if the fracture line runs through the nerve of your tooth, you could experience sharp pain.
- Teeth Grinding: More common than you may think, teeth grinding usually occurs while someone is sleeping or under stress. The grinding wears away your enamel and puts more force on the tissue around your teeth. This can also cause you to experience jaw pain along with the toothache.
- Misaligned Wisdom Teeth: When your wisdom teeth erupt, you’re bound to have some pain to begin with; but if the teeth are not growing in straight, it could be much worse. You may experience pain on your tooth or at the gum line. You could also have problems with your jaw or opening your mouth if your gum becomes swollen.
Whenever you are experiencing a toothache, or any oral pain, you should see your dentist right away to address the problem and receive treatment. The sooner you resolve the cause of the pain, the safer your teeth will be from further damage or decay. If you’re in need of a trusted dentist, Ronald Murphy Dentistry can help you stay pain-free when it comes to your oral health.
Dr. Ronald Murphy is your trusted dentist in Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles, IL. We are c ommitted to the highest standards of dental care and to ensuring that every patient leaves our office with a bright and healthy smile. Call us today at (630) 879-7642 to schedule an appointment with our attentive and compassionate staff.