A recent survey revealed that about 12 percent of the American population had experienced toothache within the past six months. This condition is characterized by pain around the tooth, or pain that feels like it may be originating from inside or under the tooth, which can be caused by a variety of dental health problems.
Sometimes, this may be the result or symptom of a serious underlying condition. Other times, it could be your mouth’s way of warning you about imminent danger. Whatever the case may be, here are five of the leading causes of toothaches:
1. Tooth decay
Most causes of a toothache can be attributed to tooth decay. This condition often results from poor oral hygiene and, if left untreated, can cost you one or more teeth down the road if infection sets in or the decay becomes too bad to treat.
2. Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is quite common among people with sleep apnea. This condition can leave your teeth worn out, lead to temporomandibular joint disorder, and can also leave you in pain.
3. Gum disease
Many people have gum disease, but most don’t realize until it has reached an advanced stage. The problem is that the condition is usually not obvious since there’s often no significant pain in the early stages. So, at times, toothache may be the sign of a gum disease that has become more serious.
4. Wisdom teeth
Your toothache may originate from your molars at the back of your mouth. If this is the case, it may be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted. You may need to visit a dentist soon to have them removed.
5. Malocclusion
Malocclusion is also known as an abnormal or misaligned bite. This condition is usually the result of the upper and lower teeth not correctly aligning with each other. This can result in toothache, and your dentist may help you correct the condition with surgery, braces or some other orthodontic devices.
You never know when the symptoms of mouth pain that may seem like no big deal can point to something serious. But visiting your dentist for a proper examination will help you address the pain and its causes. Sometimes, this can help you prevent the development of a much more serious dental health problem.
For any questions – or to schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you’re experiencing pain – please call us today at 425-366-7983.
