Usually when you have a toothache you think tooth decay, and in most cases, that is probably the reason. Tooth decay is the result of harmful oral bacteria that feed on the leftover sugars, starches, and food debris in your mouth. As they metabolize the sugars, etc., they produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel and then the dentin (the structure of your tooth that is covered with enamel) causing a cavity. Cavities, however, don’t usually hurt unless they are large enough or deep enough to affect the pulp of your tooth. The pulp is the live tissue, nerves, and blood vessels in the center of your tooth, and can be extremely painful when infected.
Other Sources of Tooth Aches
Unfortunately, regardless of your oral hygiene, everyone is likely to experience tooth pain at some point in their lives. However, cavities are only one of several possible reasons for experiencing a toothache. Some other reasons include:
Receding Gums or Thinning Tooth Enamel: If you have a cavity you may experience tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink hot or cold foods. However, you may also experience sensitivity due to receding gums or thinning tooth enamel, both which can happen with age, but can also be due to other reasons. Tooth sensitivity is usually not the same as an all-out toothache.
Cracked Tooth: If what you experience is a sharp, stabbing pain when you bite down or chew, you may have a cavity or a cracked tooth.
Abscess: If you experience a constant, throbbing pain, you may have an abscessed tooth.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) or Bruxism: Sometimes bruxing, the chronic clenching and grinding of your teeth, can cause tooth pain. Chances are this type of pain won’t be an urgent, throbbing pain, but an intermittent ache. Also, jaw pain caused by a TMJ disorder may be mistaken for tooth pain.
Wisdom Teeth: An impacted wisdom tooth can also be painful.
Not Your Teeth At All: Sometimes, your teeth can feel achy due to a sinus infection. However, this sort of toothache is usually accompanied by a cold and/or nasal congestion.
Are You Suffering With A Toothache?
While toothaches are usually caused by cavities, there are other reasons your tooth may be aching. Don’t continue to suffer. Find out what is causing your toothache! Schedule your consultation with Just Wright Dental in Corsicana, TX, today at (903) 225-2221. We proudly serve patients from Navarro County, Mildred, Eureka, Ennis, Fairfield, Teague, Blooming Grove, Dawson, Hubbard, Hillsboro, Mexia, Groesbeck, Kerens, Malakoff, Rice, Centerville, Buffalo, and Athens.