Toothache

Common causes of toothache

Tooth decay

Tooth decay happens when bacteria in the mouth use dietary sugars to produce acids that break down tooth tissue and form cavities. If cavities are left to progress, they can reach the softer dentine of the tooth and mild toothache could arise. Such cases will require a dental check up and possibly a filling to resolve.

If decay is further neglected, it will progress further and allow bacteria to infect the pulp of the tooth. As a result, very severe toothache could arise and you will urgently need to see an emergency dentist. In such situations, root canal treatment or tooth extraction may be necessary to provide emergency toothache relief for patients. At Pearl Dental Clinic, we provide a same day root canal treatment or tooth extraction service, which is available even for complex wisdom tooth extractions.

Dentine sensitivity

This arises when the gum recedes, exposing the dentine layer of your tooth. Causes of gum recession can include ageing, damaging tooth brushing techniques, or gum disease. The symptoms of dentine sensitivity can vary from mild and occasional sensitivity to cold, to a severe and constant pain. Treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms and is usually determined by the dentist during a check up visit.

Gum disease

Gum disease occurs when bacteria infect the gum, causing gum inflammation and bone loss. Gum disease is preventable and even reversible in its early stages, known as gingivitis. If left unchecked and untreated, it will progress into the irreversible and destructive periodontitis, which causes pain, bone loss, tooth mobility and even eventual tooth loss. Reversible gum disease (gingivitis) is treated by seeing a hygienist. Irreversible gum disease (periodontitis) usually requires treatment with a gum specialist (periodontist).

Temporomandibular joint pain (jaw pain)

Injury or stress to the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull can cause severe pain, toothache, and headaches. Often this is caused by stress or bruxism (teeth grinding). Simple over the counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication can sometimes help.

If you suffer more frequently, you may need to wear a removable appliance (mouth guard) at night to allow your jaw and its surrounding muscles to relax and recover, and to protect your teeth from excessive tooth wear.