Sometimes, despite good oral hygiene and a healthy diet, we can develop a toothache. Having a toothache can be a very painful experience. If you are experiencing a toothache, it is best to see your dentist as early as possible. They can determine what is causing the pain and provide treatment to relieve your discomfort.

Top 5 reasons for a toothache

• A cavity in the tooth
• An abscessed tooth
• Gum disease
• A damaged or cracked tooth
• Sensitive teeth

Dental cavities

Dental cavities occur when bacteria develop on the surface of the tooth, eroding the enamel and exposing the inner layers. A build up of these bacteria is known as plaque. The bacteria feed on residual sugars from the foods you eat and are able to grow. Good oral hygiene such as regular brushing and flossing will minimise the amount of bacteria and plaque build up. A dental cavity will require a filling.

Dental abscess

When a dental cavity is left untreated it can turn into an abscess of the tooth. The bacteria have infected the tooth, eroding the enamel and reaching the inner part of the tooth all the way down to the root, causing extreme pain. Dental abscesses are usually treated with root canal therapy.

Gum disease

Gum disease occurs when the soft tissue around the teeth becomes infected from a build up of plaque. The toothache from gum disease will usually be accompanied by bleeding gums. Regular visits to the dentist to remove plaque build up combined with good oral hygiene can reduce the occurrence of gum disease.

Cracked tooth syndrome

A damaged or cracked tooth can be the cause of toothache. Teeth can be damaged in a number of ways such as sport injuries, biting down on hard objects or extreme changes in surface temperature. A cracked tooth will expose the inner part of the tooth, making the tooth sensitive and causing pain. If left untreated the area can become infected, causing a more extreme toothache. Cracks in the teeth can be difficult to detect, a dentist will apply a dye to the teeth to identify cracks or fractures.

Sensitive teeth

Exposed tooth roots can also cause toothache, a condition known as "recession." The exposed roots can become extremely sensitive to cold, hot, and sour foods because they are no longer protected by healthy gum and bone. Sensitive teeth can be relieved by the use of specialty dental hygiene products.

More serious reasons for toothache

There are some more serious causes of toothache, some of which are not associated at all with dental problems. One more serious cause of toothache that can be identified by a dentist is a problem with the joints hinging the lower jaw to the skull. These can be affected by injury (such as a blow to the face), arthritis, or jaw muscle fatigue from habitually clenching or grinding teeth. Very rarely, a toothache can be a symptom of a more serious health issue, unrelated to the jaw, gums or teeth. Pain around the teeth and the jaws can also be a symptom of heart disease, such as angina, or caused by infections in the ear or sinuses. If your dentist can find no obvious reason for a toothache, it is best to visit a doctor for evaluation and treatment.

A toothache is very painful and if left untreated can develop into a more major dental problem. It is essential to visit the dentist should a toothache develop. Your dentist can assess the cause of the toothache and provide the best treatment to relieve the pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing toothache call your family dentist without delay to make an appointment.