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Toothache: Is it a Cavity or Something Else?

October 22, 2019 By Dr. Briana Oller Leave a Comment

toothacheWhen we get a toothache, most people automatically suspect a cavity, and that’s certainly a possibility. But there are other things that can also cause toothaches, so don’t jump to any conclusions. Before you tell your dentist you need a new filling, consider these other possible causes of your toothache.

  • Gum Disease

While cavities get a lot of attention when it comes to poor dental hygiene, gum disease is also a major problem and something people should definitely be concerned with when it comes to taking care of their oral health.

As with cavities, gum disease can be caused by poor dental hygiene, leading to a buildup of bad bacteria in the mouth and gums, which can cause swollen and bleeding gums, receding gums, and can even promote tooth decay and cavities when the gums are unable to sufficiently do their part in protecting your teeth.

  • Dental Abscess

Whether the tooth itself gets infected, or the gums around it get infected, sometimes that infection can lead to a buildup of pus in or around the tooth, which is known as a dental abscess. This can cause swelling and make the area sore and tender to the touch, which could be the cause of your toothache. If you have a dental abscess, you’ll need to get it drained and treated with an antibiotic.

  • Bruxism

Bruxism is the condition by which people grind their teeth when they’re asleep. It’s often caused by stress and it can lead to a host of dental problems, including flattening your teeth, receding gums, and tension in the neck and jaw from constantly clenching your teeth. If the way you grind your teeth puts more pressure on one or two teeth than the rest, you could suffer from pain in those teeth. So, if your toothaches tend to bother you more when you first wake up, it could be because you’re grinding your teeth while you sleep.

  • Misaligned Bite

If you have an underbite or an overbite, it can put more pressure on one or two of your teeth than the rest, which can cause pain and soreness in those teeth. If you have an underbite or an overbite you’ve never had corrected and you’ve recently been suffering from toothaches, it might be time to see an orthodontist.

  • Tooth Trauma

If you recently took a hit to the jaw, whether from a contact sport or just by falling and knocking your jaw against something, that can certainly cause a toothache. If the tooth is loose, you should see your dentist right away. Otherwise, give it some time and the pain will probably go away on its own. If it doesn’t, then you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

If you have a mystery toothache whose cause you’ve been unable to identify yourself, it’s time to get help from a professional. Schedule an appointment with us now so we can identify the problem and help you get back to 100%.

If you want to keep your teeth healthy and strong, you must take care of them. At Simply Smiles Dentistry, we can show you how to properly care for your teeth. You will have a great smile that lasts a lifetime.

CONTACT OUR OFFICE or SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE.

 Until next time…Keep on Smiling!

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