How does toothache occur

If you have throbbing, constant pain, you may have an abscessed tooth or an infection. You should see your dental professional about this issue as soon as possible. This is because if your tooth has an abscess , its infection has the potential to spread to your mouth or neck.

If there's no sign of a cavity, but tooth pain persists, there are other possible reasons that should be explored. A sinus infection, for example, is a less common but significant cause of tooth pain. If only your upper teeth on both sides of your face are in pain, sinusitis could be the culprit. This sort of toothache is usually accompanied or preceded by nasal congestion and tenderness around your sinuses.

If you suspect this is the cause of your tooth pain, you may wish to see your medical professional for discussing prevention and treatment. Suppose you feel pain more in your jaw rather than just in a specific tooth.

In that case, temporomandibular disorders could be the cause. You could have this disorder because of direct injury or trauma to your jaw, tooth grinding bruxism , or arthritis or cancer affecting your jaw. If you still have your wisdom teeth, impacted molars could also be causing you jaw pain.

Your molars become impacted when there's no room in the back of your mouth for them to emerge out of your gums properly. Even if your toothache is more a dull sensation rather than a sharp pain, it doesn't mean your discomfort isn't worth you taking the time to figure out its cause. Intermittent pain may seem like just an inconvenience and not worth an immediate call to your dental office, but waiting until the problem becomes worse is rarely the best option.

Whatever the type and severity of your tooth pain, it is best to call your dental professional and make an appointment. As noted by Mayo Clinic , there's another reason it's essential to see your dental professional for a toothache. Tooth decay may lead to cavities if a person does not receive treatment. Cavities occur when acids and bacteria break through the enamel and eat away at the delicate tissues inside the tooth. This can expose the nerve, causing mild-to-severe pain.

Sinus infections may also cause toothache in some people. This symptom occurs as the infection drains from the head. Symptoms such as pain and pressure from the infection may hurt more at night. One reason that this may occur is because when a person is lying down, blood rushes to the head. This extra blood in the area may increase the pain and pressure that people feel from a toothache.

Another reason why many aches feel worse at night is because there are fewer distractions. With little else to focus on but the toothache, a person may find it difficult to fall asleep. People with a toothache at night should see a dentist as soon as possible. Any home remedies are only for temporary relief. If the toothache also comes with other signs of an infection, a person may need antibiotics to clear out the infection. When a cracked or decaying tooth is causing the pain, a person should see their dentist.

They will be able to find a permanent solution. Ignoring the signs of tooth decay, such as an aching tooth, may lead to more serious issues, including abscesses, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Dealing with a toothache is a painful experience. Although many home remedies can provide temporary relief and help a person get some sleep, they are not permanent solutions. Anyone who experiences a toothache for longer than 1 or 2 days without symptoms of a sinus infection should see a dentist for a full diagnosis and treatment. They may need to clean out a cavity or consider more serious options, such as root canals or tooth extractions.

Sensitivity from a tooth filling procedure may last up to two weeks. Using whitening strips , bleaching gels, or having an in-office teeth-whitening procedure can put you at a higher risk of tooth sensitivity. If your teeth have become sensitive when they never were before, make an appointment with your dentist. They may be able to recommend a simple treatment, such as a sensitivity-reducing toothpaste.

Your dentist will also be able to tell if you need a corrective procedure, such as a filling or a tooth extraction, to relieve your pain.

Some symptoms should never be ignored. See your dentist right away, or contact another health professional, if you experience the following:. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you need help finding a dentist. There are myriad reasons why you might feel a sudden pain in your teeth. Most of them are connected to the natural erosion of your gums or tooth enamel.

Your oral health can significantly impact your general health. Find out why keeping your teeth and gums healthy is so important. Get the facts on all…. Healthy gums are key to maintaining a healthy mouth. But what are the best ways to keep your gums healthy, besides brushing and flossing? Toothaches are usually not life-threatening, but in some cases, they can be signs of serious conditions that require immediate medical treatment. Tooth decay is the most common reason for toothaches.

If tooth decay goes untreated, an abscess can develop. This is an infection near your tooth or in the pulp inside your tooth. See your dentist right away if you think you have a dental abscess. In rare cases, the infection can spread to your brain, which can be life-threatening. A toothache can also be caused by an impacted tooth. This happens when one of your teeth, usually a wisdom tooth , is stuck in your gum tissue or bone.

Sinusitis is a condition in which your sinuses become inflamed due to a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection in your sinus cavity. Because the roots of your upper teeth are close to your sinuses, sinusitis can cause pain in your upper teeth. Heart disease and lung cancer can also cause toothaches. In some cases, toothache may be a warning sign of a heart attack.

Heart and lung disease can cause toothache pain due to the location of your vagus nerve. This nerve runs from your brain to the different organs in your body, including your heart and lungs.