Cavities are one of the most common causes of toothache. Caries is also known as caries, i.e. damage to the outer layer of the hard outer teeth (enamel), so that cavities form. Damage to tooth enamel is caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acid and are capable of destroying the enamel.
Tooth decay can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in people who don’t maintain good oral hygiene, let alone eat a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates. These foods and drinks provide the bacteria in your mouth with the fuel they need to produce acids that cause tooth decay.
To prevent tooth decay it is important to practice good oral hygiene, one of which is to brush your teeth diligently twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen breath. It’s also important to limit your intake of sweet and sour foods and drinks, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
In some cases, dentists recommend additional measures to prevent tooth decay, such as using a fluoride mouthwash or gel or applying fluoride varnish to your teeth. This treatment can help strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay.
Aside from tooth decay, it turns out that toothache can be caused by other things too, here are a few!
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Causes of toothache other than tooth decay
1. Gum disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition in which the gums become inflamed and infected. The cause is bacteria in the mouth that forms a sticky film called plaque on the teeth. When plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can cause gum inflammation and infection.
The most common symptom of gum disease is bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing. Other symptoms may include red, swollen or sensitive gums, bad breath, and loose or sensitive teeth. In its advanced stages, gum disease can cause your gums and teeth to become loose or loose.
Gum disease can be prevented through good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing and visits to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning treatment called resizing and root planing, where plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth and roots. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to treat the infection and restore gum health.
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2. Tooth infection
A dental infection, also known as a tooth abscess, is a bacterial infection that affects your teeth and the tissue around them. This can be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or injury to the teeth.
The most common symptom of a dental infection is a severe toothache, which can be persistent or intermittent. Other symptoms are swelling of the face or neck, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and a bad taste in the mouth. In some cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, causing more serious complications.
To treat a tooth infection, your dentist will first diagnose the infection and determine the best course of treatment. One of them is antibiotics to kill bacteria, abscess drainage, and root canal treatment to remove infected tissue from inside the tooth. In some cases, tooth extraction may be required to remove the infected tooth.
3. Trauma to the teeth
Trauma to the teeth, also known as a tooth injury, can occur as a result of an accident or impact to the mouth. Common causes of dental trauma include falls, sports injuries, automobile accidents, and physical fights.
Symptoms of dental trauma can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms can include pain, swelling and bleeding in the mouth and teeth becoming more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. In severe cases, the tooth may break or be completely knocked out.
To prevent dental trauma, it is important to take precautions to protect your mouth and teeth, such as wearing a mouthguard while playing sports, avoiding activities with a high risk of injury, and using seat belts and other safety measures while driving or riding. driving in a car.
If you have suffered a dental trauma, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will evaluate the injury and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include fixing the tooth, having root canal treatment, or removing the tooth if it is badly damaged. Proper treatment can help prevent further damage to the tooth and promote healing.
Read also: 1 in 5 cases of missing teeth caused by diabetes!
4. Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition in which a person grinds their teeth, often while sleeping. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including toothache and sensitivity, headaches, and jaw pain.
The exact cause of teeth grinding isn’t fully understood, but it’s often related to stress or anxiety. It can also be caused by trouble sleeping, misaligned teeth, or another underlying medical condition.
To manage teeth grinding, it’s important to identify and treat the underlying cause, if possible. One of the important ones is managing stress and anxiety, treating sleep disorders or correcting misaligned teeth through orthodontic treatment.
In some cases, your dentist will recommend wearing a mouthguard or splint to protect your teeth from the harmful effects of grinding. These devices can be worn at night to prevent drooling and reduce symptoms associated with bruxism.
6. Sensitive teeth
Sensitive teeth are a common problem that can cause discomfort or pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks, acidic foods, heat, and even air. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including tooth decay, exposed tooth roots, gum disease, or eroded tooth enamel.
To treat sensitive teeth, it is important to first identify and treat the underlying cause. For example, treating tooth decay or gum disease, filling cavities, or covering the roots of exposed teeth with protective materials.
In addition to addressing the underlying cause, your dentist will recommend using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. This toothpaste contains ingredients that can help block the sensation of pain in the teeth. Dentists may also recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding acidic foods and drinks, as they can make tooth sensitivity worse.
