Toothaches can be a minor annoyance or leave you in severe pain for an extended period. You may feel a sharp pain in a particular tooth when biting down, or you may experience more generalized pain in your teeth, gums, and jaw. Not all causes of toothaches are serious, but most require a visit to your dentist for treatment, particularly if the pain lasts more than a couple days. Here are a few of the potential causes of this condition.

What’s the Source of Your Toothache?

1. Gum Disease

Gum disease is an inflammation and infection of the gums, but it can affect your teeth as well. The earliest signs include redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing and flossing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek treatment from your dentist to prevent the disease from progressing.

2. Tooth Decay

Cavities are common causes of toothaches. Tooth decay is the result of the accumulation of plaque. The bacteria eat away at your enamel, exposing the nerves within the tooth. This causes sensitivity, and as the cavity expands, you’ll experience more pain, particularly when biting down or consuming hot or cold food and drinks.

3. Infection

Left untreated, cavities can lead to a tooth infection. Once infected, you may experience constant pain in the tooth, the surrounding gums, and in your jaw. Infections require prompt treatment as they can lead to abscesses, which are life-threatening, and tooth loss.

4. Bruxism

Nightly teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is another common culprit of tooth pain. As you grind your teeth, you wear down your tooth enamel, which can leave those sensitive nerves exposed. A bruxism-related toothache may also include jaw pain. Your dentist may recommend wearing a custom-made mouth guard at night to relieve pain and protect your teeth.

5. Loose Filling

Dental fillings are a simple treatment for cavities, but they don’t always stay put. Chewing on hard objects like ice cubes or popcorn kernels can loosen them, and metal fillings expand and contract due to temperature changes, which can also make them loose. Loose fillings allow food particles and bacteria to reach those sensitive nerves and cause pain. Your dentist can easily remove and replace the filling to eliminate your tooth pain.

If you have a toothache, you can try taking over-the-counter pain medication and holding a cold compress to the outer area. If the pain persists for more than two days, make an appointment to see your dentist. At Bethel Family Dentistry in Clermont County, OH, they will perform a thorough examination, make a diagnosis, and suggest an appropriate treatment to relieve your pain, restore your tooth, and get you back to work or school. Visit their website for more information, or call (513) 734-2029 to request an appointment.