Tooth Aches

What Causes Toothaches And How To Avoid Them

January 27, 2013

Have you ever experienced a toothache? They are not fun; here at Bethany Family Dental, Doctor Austria gets many patients asking about what causes toothaches. He always responds by saying you can usually avoid toothaches by taking great care of your teeth. Make sure to brush and floss daily.

No one like’s having a toothache; it is an inconvenient pain that can be troubling. But you can avoid them. The most common reason for toothache is usually because of cavities or tooth decay. Many patients report feeling aches and pains in their mouth and they realize it is a cavity because they have not been brushing and flossing. The second most common reason for toothache is gum disease.

If you have a toothache, you can ease the pain with over-the-counter medicine, like Advil, ibuprofen, or even Tylenol. But don’t rely on them for long periods of time. Although they can help relieve some of the pain, it is important to visit your dentist.

If you do not brush or floss your teeth often your teeth will begin to hurt you may also see yellow and discolored teeth as well as plaque buildup. In general, cavities will persist, which causes more tooth pain severity. Toothaches can range from many different spectrums from very mild to very sharp painful stabs, if you have a toothache while chewing or you feel Sensitive Teeth to cold or hot heat it’s important to get an oral exam from your dentist immediately.

Toothache Facts

  • The most common cause of toothache is a dental cavity.
  • The second most common cause of toothache is gum disease.
  • A toothache can be caused by a problem that does not originate from a tooth or the jaw.
  • During pregnancy, the ideal time for non-emergency dental treatment is during the second trimester or if possible, after delivery.
  • Over-the-counter medications such as Motrin or Advil can be effective pain relief when taken on a schedule.

Dental Cavities And Dental Abscesses

The most common cause of toothache is a dental cavity. Dental cavities (caries) are holes in the two outer layers of a tooth called the enamel and the dentin. The enamel is the outermost white hard surface and the dentin is the yellow layer just beneath the enamel. Both layers serve to protect the inner living tooth tissue called the pulp, where blood vessels and nerves reside. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugar into acid. The acid softens and dissolves the enamel and dentin, creating cavities. To avoid cavities brush and floss daily and visit us.