A man in pain due to a severe toothache, holding his cheek with one hand.

The Most Common Causes of Toothaches and When to See a Dentist

in

Toothaches are quite common. Studies show that 22 percent of adults have experienced pain in their teeth, jaws, or gums in the last six months. Sometimes, toothache pain is minor and temporary, perhaps caused by a piece of popcorn caught in your teeth. Most times though, common causes of toothaches are due to something more serious, such as a cavity, abscessed tooth, or cracked tooth. Even teeth grinding, gum disease, and damaged fillings or crowns can be to blame. 

No matter what the cause, toothaches can definitely impact the quality of your daily life. It’s important to identify and treat the cause of a toothache early so the pain does not worsen. Left untreated, toothaches can lead to more serious complications, such as severe pain, infection, swelling, or fever. Don’t let your toothache become an emergency situation. Rest assured, Hudson Family Dental offers professional solutions for common causes of tooth pain. 

Common Causes of Toothaches

 From cavities and gum disease to tooth sensitivity and impacted wisdom teeth, there are many possible causes for your toothache.

1. Cavities (Tooth Decay)

Sensitivity to sweets, and hot and cold food or beverages, as well as persistent aching are all symptoms of a cavity. Cavities are areas of tooth decay that form within your teeth surfaces. They are caused by plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene, and eating excessive sugary snacks. Cavities are essentially holes in your teeth. You may not know they’re there at first, but as they get larger, they lead to tooth pain and sensitivity, sharp pain when eating something hot or cold, visible pits in your teeth, and pain when biting down.

The sooner you treat this decay, the better your chance for relief and optimal oral health. If left untreated, cavities can lead to:

  • Pain
  • Abscess
  • Swelling or pus around the tooth
  • Damaged or broken teeth
  • Problems chewing

For your convenience, Hudson Family Dental offers tooth-colored fillings to restore the tooth’s structure and prevent further decay. We also use the SOLEA© DENTAL LASER, guided by sophisticated computers, to provide painless dental procedures for cavity removal.

2. Gum Disease (Gingivitis & Periodontitis)

A buildup of bacteria can lead to gum inflammation, receding gums, and eventual tooth pain. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that causes redness, irritation, and swelling of the gums. If left untreated, it can morph into periodontitis. This is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the gums and the bones supporting the teeth.

Symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, as well as deep aching pain. Professional cleanings, periodontal therapy, and personalized oral health guidance from Hudson Family Dental are all key approaches to avoiding or minimizing the effects of gum disease.

3. Dental Abscess (Infection)

A dental abscess is a severe infection in the tooth or gums that causes intense throbbing pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. It’s essentially a localized collection of pus forming around the tooth or supporting structures. This is usually caused by a bacterial infection arising from an untreated cavity, tooth injury, or gum disease.

The goal is to not let it get to this point, but if it does, you may need root canal therapy or tooth extraction, followed by restorative treatment.

4. Cracked or Fractured Teeth

Dentists looking at a patient X-ray.

Cracks in your teeth are common causes of toothaches, usually developing due to injury, grinding, or biting down on hard objects. You may experience pain when chewing, as well as sensitivity to temperature changes. The solution? Same-day CEREC© crowns or composite bonding for durable, natural-looking repairs. Crowns provide extra protection and durability to ensure your tooth is stronger than ever. Composite bonding is one of the most cost effective and least invasive cosmetic dental services available, and can be done in just one visit.

5. Tooth Sensitivity

Anything from biting into ice cream to sipping a hot drink can cause tooth sensitivity. This is usually caused by enamel erosion, exposed roots, or gum recession. If you experience sharp, short pain in response to cold, heat, or sweets, you may have tooth sensitivity. To address this, Hudson Family Dental can provide fluoride treatments, desensitizing solutions, and personalized care to strengthen enamel.

6. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, common causes of toothaches, are the back teeth or molars that emerge last, usually in your late teens. When erupting, they can cause pain due to lack of space, infection, or misalignment. Symptoms include pain in the back of the mouth, swelling, and difficulty chewing. To address this, Hudson Family Dental offers wisdom tooth evaluation and extraction services.

7. Bruxism

The fancy name for teeth grinding and clenching, bruxism can damage teeth and cause pain. This often occurs when we are sleeping or under stress. Oftentimes, we are unaware we are even doing it. Symptoms include jaw soreness, jaw clicking, headaches, and worn-down teeth. We can craft custom nightguards for you to prevent damage and reduce discomfort.

When to See a Dentist 

Now that you know the common causes of toothaches, it’s important to know when to seek out a dentist’s care. In general, severe pain, swelling, fever, or prolonged sensitivity require urgent dental attention. Early intervention is key in preventing more serious complications. 

Overall, when you experience sensitivity or a dull ache in your mouth, take this as a warning sign. This sensitivity may be due to sinus or allergy issues or sudden changes in elevation. However, keep in mind that these situations are usually temporary and should only last a few hours. If your pain is due to a cavity or infection, your discomfort will be persistent, last for more than 48 hours, and will worsen with time.

Hudson Family Dental is proud of our ongoing commitment to providing emergency dental care and personalized treatment plans for every member of the family.

Contact Hudson Family Dental Today

Toothaches may seem like just a minor inconvenience but they can actually signal a serious underlying issue. Scheduling an appointment with Hudson Family Dental is key in receiving expert care and long-term solutions. If you’re experiencing the above common causes of toothaches, don’t hesitate to book an appointment at (978) 562-2782. Quick action is imperative in addressing and treating the root cause of the pain to avoid future complications. We are your local source for comprehensive family dental care!