Medobs-Ciheam

Nobody likes a toothache. In fact, they can be one of the most bothersome aches and pains. To help get rid of your toothache, and prevent future ones, it’s important to know what causes them. Here are the primary reasons we get toothaches:

1.   Cavities – The most common cause toothaches are cavities. Dental cavities are holes in the two outer layers of the tooth: the enamel and the dentin. These two layers protect the nerves that lie further beneath the surface of the tooth. A deep cavity allows these nerves to be irritated by what you eat and drink and by the bacteria in your mouth. Any of these irritants can cause toothache.

2.   Gum Disease – Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental problem. Gum disease starts out as bacteria that don’t get removed as part of our regular dental hygiene routine. These bacteria turn to plaque, which coats our teeth and causes gingivitis. Gingivitis causes bad breath, and sore and bleeding gums. When gingivitis isn’t treated it leads to gum disease. Gum disease, in more advanced stages, causes bone loss around the teeth, and pockets form in these spots.  Bacteria in these pockets can lead to toothaches and infection.

3.   Root Sensitivities – Exposed tooth roots can cause tooth pain. Roots are typically located far enough below the surface that they don’t cause pain. However, through gum disease, cavities and other dental problems, these roots can become exposed, leading to toothaches.

4.   Cracked Teeth – When a tooth cracks or breaks from a trauma, it can cause a severe toothache. Teeth can be cracked from a facial injury, or even from biting something very hard.

5.   Impacted Teeth- Impacted teeth are those that are trying to erupt, but are unable to complete the eruption process; often due to lack of space. This impaction can lead to severe pain.

Regardless of why you’ve developed a toothache, it is important to see your dentist to fix the problem. Without a visit to the dentist, you may be able to relieve toothache pain, but only temporarily.

Since overgrown bacteria are the primary cause of toothaches, it’s important that we keep the bacteria in our mouths under control. The best way to do this is through an oral hygiene routine that consists of natural products made from mint oil, since mint oil is an all natural powerful anti-bacterial. Just a few drops each day of a mint oil based mouthwash like OraMD, or other mint oil based product may be all you need to step up your dental care routine to prevent those toothaches.