6 Causes of Toothache You Shouldn't Ignore
A toothache is among the most unpleasant and agonizing pains. It can come on suddenly, worsen at night, radiate to the ear, temples, or jaw, and significantly impact quality of life. Many people endure the pain or try to alleviate it with painkillers, postponing a visit to the dentist. However, it's important to understand that a toothache is not a problem in itself, but rather a symptom indicating underlying issues in the oral cavity. Ignoring these signals can lead to serious complications. In this article, we have gathered six major causes of toothache that shouldn't be ignored.
1. Tooth decay
Tooth decay is the most common cause of a toothache. In its early stages, it may not cause any symptoms, but as the enamel and dentin are progressively destroyed, sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet stimuli develops. When decay reaches deeper layers of the tooth, the pain becomes constant and more intense.
Many people mistakenly believe that minor cavities don't require urgent treatment. Even a small cavity can worsen over time and penetrate deeper into the tooth. If you don't see a dentistt promptly, the cavity can lead to nerve inflammation and, consequently, to more complex and expensive treatment.
2. Pulpitis
Pulpitis is an inflammation of the dental pulp, the tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. It usually develops as a result of advanced tooth decay. The main symptom of pulpitis is a sharp, throbbing pain that can occur spontaneously, especially at night.
The pain often radiates to neighboring teeth, the ear, or the temple, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause. If left untreated, the inflammation can become chronic or lead to nerve necrosis. In such cases, saving the tooth becomes significantly more difficult.
3. Tooth sensitivity
Sometimes tooth pain occurs without any visible damage to the teeth. Tooth sensitivity can manifest as a sharp, but brief, pain upon contact with cold, hot, or acidic foods. Causes can include thinning tooth enamel, exposed tooth necks, or receding gums.
Although this pain may seem harmless, it often indicates underlying problems such as gingivitis or poor oral hygiene. Using whitening toothpaste or hard toothbrushes can worsen the situation. A dentist can determine the cause of the sensitivity and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
4. Gingivitis
Gingivitis and periodontitis are inflammatory gum diseases that are often accompanied by pain, bleeding gums, and bad breath. In the early stages, the pain is often mild, which is why it is frequently ignored.
However, as the disease progresses, the inflammation spreads to the deeper tissues that support the teeth. This can lead to loosening and eventual tooth loss. A toothache associated with gingivitis is a serious warning sign and requires immediate dental treatment.
5. Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gums surrounding the tooth root. It can develop as a result of untreated gingivitis or poor oral hygiene. Periodontitis manifests as pressure sensitivity or sharp pain when biting, a feeling of an excessively large tooth, and swollen gums.
It is dangerous to ignore periodontitis, as the infection can spread to the jawbone and cause abscesses, tooth loss, and general inflammation. In severe cases, this can lead to tooth loss and the need for surgical intervention.
6. Wisdom teeth and eruption problems
The eruption of wisdom teeth is often accompanied by pain, inflammation, and swelling of the gums. Due to a lack of space in the jaw, these teeth can grow abnormally, press against adjacent teeth, or remain partially below the gum line.
Bacteria often accumulate around wisdom teeth, leading to inflammation and infection. If a dentist is not consulted promptly, this can result in severe pain, fever, and the spread of inflammation to surrounding tissues.
The bottom line
A toothache is always a cause for concern and should prompt a visit to a dentist. Whether the pain is sharp or dull, constant or intermittent, it indicates a problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Self-medication and postponing dental appointments can lead to complications, lengthy treatments, and even tooth loss. Regular checkups and timely treatments contribute to oral hygiene and prevent serious complications.