The Most Common Causes of a Toothache

A toothache is your body's way of telling you that something isn't right inside your mouth. Ignoring the pain often leads to more serious problems later. 

At Hollister Smiles Dental in Hollister, CA, Dr. Diana Boado and her team can quickly diagnose toothaches. 

Here’s what they want you to know about toothaches.

Tooth decay and cavities

The most frequent cause of a toothache is a cavity. When bacteria in your mouth produce acid, they eat away at the hard enamel of your tooth. Once the decay reaches the inner layer of the tooth, called the dentin, your tooth becomes sensitive and painful. Left untreated, the decay can reach the nerve. About 26% of adults in the U.S. have untreated dental caries. Regular cleanings help us catch these issues before they cause you pain.

Gum disease and infection

If your pain feels like it's coming from the area around your teeth, it might be gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis cause inflammation that makes your gums red, swollen, and sore. As the gums pull away from the teeth, pockets form and can become infected. This infection leads to a deep, throbbing ache. Nearly half of adults over age 30 have some form of periodontal disease. 

Grinding and dental trauma

Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it. This habit, known as bruxism, puts immense pressure on your teeth and jaw. Over time, it can cause your teeth to ache or even fracture. Physical trauma is another common cause. If you've been hit in the mouth or bitten down on something hard, you might have a cracked tooth. These cracks aren't always visible to the naked eye, but they can cause sharp pain when you chew.

A dental abscess

A dental abscess is one of the more serious causes of a toothache and requires immediate attention. This is a pocket of infection that forms at the root of a tooth or between the gums and the tooth. You might notice a small bump on your gums that looks like a pimple, or you may experience a foul taste in your mouth. An untreated abscess can lead to a fever or swelling in your face and jaw. 

We take these symptoms very seriously at our practice because the infection can spread to other parts of the body if it isn't drained and treated with antibiotics or a root canal.

If you are suffering from a toothache, book a consultation with Dr. Boado at Hollister Smiles Dental. Call the office at 831-636-5391 or use the online booking tool.