Family dentists see patients on a daily basis suffer from toothaches. Whether it’s a sharp pain, a throbbing sensation, or sensitivity to hot and cold, your oral care team will perform a thorough evaluation so they can better understand the root cause of your discomfort. Here’s a list of common reasons why you might have a toothache so that you have a better idea of your potential diagnosis. 

3 Reasons Why You Have a Toothache

1. Cavity

Mouth bacteria can slowly eat away at your tooth’s enamel, leading to decay and eventually a cavity. This common oral health issue impacts 92% of adults in the U.S. between the ages of 20 and 64. While some cavities don’t cause pain, if left untreated the decay can reach your tooth’s sensitive interior pulp and is likely to cause discomfort when chewing.

As you wait for your appointment, avoid hot and cold foods and any meals or beverages high in sugar and acidity to minimize pain. Once the cavity is treated, maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing twice a day and seeing your dentist for a cleaning every six months can help prevent issues in the future. 

2. Bruxism

Bruxism or teeth grinding combined with the clenching and unclenching of the jaw muscles is a common condition that impacts nearly 8% of the adult population. This grinding often takes place while you sleep and can be triggered by stress, anxiety, or drug and alcohol use. The end result of bruxism is often toothaches, dull headaches, and the wearing of your tooth’s natural enamel. A dentist can help fit you for a custom mouthguard to prevent these unwanted symptoms. 

3. Gum Disease

When plaque and unhealthy mouth bacteria builds up along your gum line, an infection known as gum disease can occur. In the early stages of gum disease, you may experience red, swollen gums or bleeding when you brush. If left untreated, gum disease can become increasingly more severe and can cause a recession as the gums pull away from your teeth. This exposes your teeth’s sensitive nerve endings to external irritants like food and beverages. As such, the disease is likely to cause toothaches.

Leading up to your appointment with a dentist, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and taking over-the-counter pain medication can help with discomfort. In order to prevent gum disease, a healthy oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing at least twice a day is highly encouraged. Age, smoking habits, and your genetics can make you more susceptible to gum disease, so discussing these risk factors with your dental team is highly encouraged. 

If you’re suffering from a toothache and you need immediate attention from a friendly, compassionate family dentist that prioritizes patient comfort, Steven A. Kumasaka, DDS can help. With a state-of-the-art practice in Kaneohe, HI, residents across Oahu can depend on this oral health team to provide emergency assistance and preventative care. To schedule your first appointment, call today at (808) 247-2240. For more information on their comprehensive services, visit their website.