Teeth are living parts of our bodies. They have their own sets of nerves and their own blood supply. The outside of the tooth is called the enamel. Under the enamel is a substance called dentin. Pores in the dentin "communicate" with the nerves in the teeth, according to the website Dentistry.com. Toothaches occur when these pores are exposed. There are many ways for the pores to become exposed, aggravating the inner workings of your teeth.
Cavities
A cavity is a common cause of toothache. Kids Health describes a cavity as a hole in the enamel of the tooth caused by bacteria in your mouth sticking to plaque on your teeth. Plaque is sticky and can allow bacteria in your mouth to collect on your teeth and eat away at them, causing cavities. To treat a cavity, your dentist will remove the affected area and fill it with a composite material.
Dental hygienist Alicia Gutkin notes that shallow cavities often don't cause any pain. She adds that cavities aren't painful until they are deep enough to touch the root of the tooth.
Dental Abscess
An infection in the tooth can also cause a toothache; this is called a dental abscess. If you have a dental abscess you will feel pain from the infection putting pressure on the root of your tooth. Minor trauma to the tooth or deep cavities can cause dental abscesses. Dentistry.com emphasizes the importance of seeking medical treatment for tooth infections. A dentist will determine how to best repair the abscess. A root canal can sometimes resolve the problem or the tooth may need to be removed. If the abscess was caused by a problem in the gum, the dentist will clean the gums or surgically treat the area.
Sinus Toothaches
Dental hygienist Alicia Gutkin lists sinus problems as another cause of toothache, especially in the upper teeth. The roots of the upper teeth are near the sinus cavities, and can ache when your sinuses are inflamed. On the converse, poor dental hygiene can cause a sinus infection. Sinus Wars claims that bacteria along the gum and tooth line can infect your sinuses. The site lists swollen gums, facial swelling and a runny nose as other signs that inflamed sinuses are causing your toothache.
It is wise to seek help from a dentist and a physician when treating sinus-related toothaches.
References
- Kids Health: What's a Cavity?
- Dentistry: What Causes a Toothache?
- Sinus Wars: Sinus and Teeth
- Alicia Gutkin, Dental Hygienist, Haddon Heights, New Jersey
