Toothache can be a painful and distressing experience that has a negative impact on your quality of life. While cavities can cause some toothaches, there are a number of other oral problems that can cause intense tooth pain. Here are six causes of toothache other than cavities.
Gum disease is a common oral condition that can result in an intense toothache. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, develops when plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gum line, causing inflammation and bleeding. If gingivitis is not treated, it can develop into periodontitis, a more severe type of gum disease that can result in tooth loss.
Gum disease pain is typically dull and throbbing, and it can increase when biting down or consuming hot or cold foods. Other signs of gum disease, in addition to toothache, include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, bad breath, and gum recession.
Another oral condition that can cause severe toothache is a dental abscess. A dental abscess is a pus-filled pocket that develops around the root of a tooth, typically as a result of an untreated cavity or bacterial infection.
The pain from a dental abscess is commonly described as acute and shooting, and it may be followed by swelling, fever, and a bad taste or smell in the mouth. In severe cases, a dental abscess can cause significant health problems such as sepsis and infection of the nearby tissues.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is another oral issue that can cause toothache. Bruxism can occur while sleeping or conscious and can cause tooth enamel wear and sensitivity over time. Bruxism pain is typically dull and constant, and it can intensify over time. In addition to toothache, bruxism can cause migraines, jaw pain, and dental and jaw damage.
Another oral condition that can cause considerable toothache is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD is caused by injury or inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which joins the jawbone to the skull.
TMD can cause jaw, neck, and head pain, as well as clicking or popping sounds when opening and shutting the jaw. TMD can trigger toothache in some cases, particularly if the pain radiates from the jaw to the teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause significant pain. Wisdom teeth are the last to erupt in the mouth, and if there is insufficient space for them to appear completely, they can become impacted or trapped beneath the gum line.
Impacted wisdom teeth can irritate and cause inflammation of the nearby tissues, resulting in acute toothache. In some cases, impacted wisdom should be removed by the best dentist to reduce pain and avoid further problems.
A sinus infection is a condition that can result in pain, particularly in the top teeth. Sinus infections arise when the sinuses become inflamed and filled with mucus, resulting in facial pressure and pain. Sinus infection pain is typically followed by other symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, and headache.
An intense toothache can be caused by a number of dental problems, including gum disease, tooth abscess, impacted wisdom teeth, TMD, bruxism, and sinus infection. If you have a severe toothache, you should see a dentist as soon as possible to identify and address the root cause.
Practice good oral hygiene, address dental problems quickly, wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth, avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and stop smoking or using tobacco products to prevent toothache. By following these steps, you can contribute to ensuring the health and well-being of your teeth and gums.
