Common Causes of Tooth Pain and How to Resolve Them

Toothache is one of those pains that, although localised to a very small area, can cause you a lot of grief. The longer you suffer, the more the pain can start to affect your daily life, which is why it’s important to seek guidance from a dental expert.

Read on below as we discuss some of the common causes of toothache (not including pain associated with braces or fillings) and how a dentist can help to treat them.



1. Tooth Decay

Caused by having too much sugary food and drink and not properly cleaning your teeth and gums, tooth decay happens when too much plaque builds up on your teeth over time. The longer it’s left without being treated, the more likely you are to develop a cavity.

Treatments varied depending on the severity of decay. A dentist may prescribe a fluoride treatment if it’s in the early stages, however a filling would be needed if you have a cavity. In the worst case scenario, whereby the decay has reached the soft tissue in the centre of your tooth, then a root canal treatment or even a full extraction may be required.

2. Tooth Abscess

A dental abscess refers to the build-up of pus in the teeth or gums, usually caused by an infection.

This will not go away on its own and requires urgent treatment from a dentist. If you think you have an abscess, then you should seek emergency dental care. A dentist will drain the pus before deciding on whether a root canal treatment or extraction is required.

3. Fractured Tooth

If your tooth becomes damaged or cracked, then this is known as a tooth fracture. This can either be caused by direct trauma (e.g. through injury), or can slowly develop over time, causing the pain to come and go.

A tooth fracture is easily repaired by having a filling, crown or veneer - assuming that it hasn't become infected.

4. Gum Infection

Due to their proximity, a gum infection can also cause tooth pain. There are a number of things that may cause a gum infection, including:

• An emerging tooth breaking the skin, but not having the room to fully come through

• Poor oral hygiene

• Poor diet

• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

• Certain health conditions (e.g. diabetes)

Gum disease can usually be treated with a course of antibiotics and routine cleaning from your dentist, although you may also have to make lifestyle changes to stay on top of it, depending on its cause.

Routine Dental Checkups

Whether you’re experiencing tooth pain or seem to have no issues at all, it’s important that you arrange routine dental checkups to ensure that your teeth and gums remain happy and healthy.

Even if you aren’t experiencing any pain now, our dental experts here at Acorn Dental Health are able to identify any underlying issues that may cause you pain later down the line if left untreated.

Book your appointment today - and don’t forget to check out our range of dental treatments.