Things That Go Grind in the Night: The Diverse Causes of Toothaches

<p>From mild to excruciating, the pain of a toothache isn’t uniform, nor is our response to it. Depending on the cause and severity of the issue, your dentist will treat the despairing chomper accordingly, and that doesn’t always mean an extraction.</p> <p>Below is some information covering the fundamentals of toothaches.</p> <h2>Symptoms that relate to toothache</h2> <p>A toothache may involve:</p> <ul> <li>Sharp or throbbing pain </li> <li>Sensitivity to hot or cold</li> <li>Swelling local to the affected tooth </li> <li>Possibly a foul odor or taste in the mouth</li> <li>A persistent dull ache </li> <li>Headache</li> <li>Fever</li> <li>Chills</li> </ul> <figure><img alt="A man suffering from Toothache | Source: https://www.myupchar.com" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/Nq46MwC7oK/thumbnail.png" /> <figcaption>Toothache. <em>Source: https://www.myupchar.com</em></figcaption> </figure> <h2>Causes of toothache</h2> <p>That gnawing irritation in your mouth can be traced to all sorts of root causes. Tooth decay, abscesses, gum disease, a crack or other kinds of damage, exposed roots, and grinding (bruxism) may be at play.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Tooth decay.</strong> A leading cause of toothache is tooth decay. When tooth enamel becomes damaged by bacteria and acids, cavities may develop, which can cause pain as they reach the nerve inside the tooth.<br/>  </li> <li><strong>Gum disease.</strong> Inflammation and infection of the gums (gingivitis or periodontitis) can be contributors. The early stages of gum disease cause tender and bleeding gums but not usually a toothache, though later stages can cause nerve pain and sensitivity if the roots are exposed. <figure><img alt="Gingivitis | Source: BruceBlaus" class="img-responsive img-fluid mx-auto d-block" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/Nq4ZVas7oK/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Gingivitis. <em>Source: BruceBlaus</em></figcaption> </figure> </li> <li><strong>Abscess.</strong> This is a collection of pus that can form in the tooth or surrounding tissues, causing a bacterial infection. Openings in the tooth allow the bacteria to infect the center of the tooth (the pulp). The subsequent swelling can cause intense pain.<br/>  </li> <li><strong>Sinus infections.</strong> Infected sinuses can give you the illusion of a dental problem as pain in the upper back teeth is a common symptom. The sinuses are a pair of hollow spaces in your skull that link up with the nasal cavity. The tissue in these spaces can become inflamed during infection, pushing into the nearby upper back teeth and causing what is known as “referred pain”.<br/>  </li> <li><strong>Bruxism/teeth grinding</strong>. As you sleep, your body can react in many ways while your mind is off dreaming. Stress and anxiety, medications, and sleep issues may cause you to grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, which can lead to toothaches and other dental issues. Over time, the pressure causes wear and tear, resulting in pain.<br/>  </li> <li><strong>Trauma.</strong> This one is obvious, but trauma to the teeth can result in a toothache. The effect might not become apparent right away, however, as the pain may develop over time due to structural damage to the tooth.</li> </ul> <h2>How to prevent toothache</h2> <p>Preventing toothaches largely comes down to proper oral hygiene practices. Regular check-ups, brushing twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, and consuming a healthy diet are the path to preventing toothaches.</p> <figure><img alt="Teeth | Source: zbkey/Pixabay" class="img-responsive img-fluid mx-auto d-block" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/Kq2gj8CLA5/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Brush Twice a Day. <em>Source: zbkey/Pixabay</em></figcaption> </figure> <h2>How is toothache treated</h2> <p>Depending on the cause of the toothache, treatment will vary. A filling, crown, root canal, or extraction may be necessary. Antibiotics or painkillers may be called for as part of the treatment.</p> <p>Home remedies like saltwater rinse, hydrogen peroxide rinse, and ice packs can offer some relief for mild toothaches. If your toothache continues for more than two days, you should see a dentist.</p> <h2>More on Toothache and Teeth Disorders</h2><ul><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/qj334o6taj-toothache" target="_blank">Toothache (Dental Pain): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/dmqppxyhew-tooth-decay" target="_blank">Tooth Decay: Causes, Treatment, Prevention</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/qj3583vuam-dental-health" target="_blank">Dental Health: Tips for Good Oral Hygiene</a></li></ul>