By EKalman May 24, 2022 - 6:40am

When you have a toothache, the pain is usually quite intense. You certainly know this means you need to see a dentist as soon as possible. What kind of dental problem are you dealing with? There are many different causes of toothache, and it can be difficult to determine which one applies in your case.

Continue reading to discover the six most common causes of toothache you should be aware of.

1. Trauma
Teeth can be knocked out or can be cracked due to a significant force. One of the signs of tooth trauma is an open wound or cut in the mouth. There will often be pain and swelling of the gums when biting down. The tooth may also have noticeable cracks in it. If this happens to you, schedule an appointment with your dentist right afterward to get the tooth fixed.

2. Cavity
If you experience a toothache and have a history of cavities, this is likely the culprit. Cavity-related toothache typically starts gradually and worsens over time. The pain may also be accompanied by sensitivity to hot or cold items, swelling, or tenderness around the tooth. Cavities are difficult to detect at first, increasing the risk of having a toothache later. Cleanings at the dentist are recommended on a regular basis to catch cavities early. If left untreated, cavities can infect the tooth, resulting in tooth loss.

3. Gum disease
Gum disease, commonly known as periodontal disease, affects more than three-quarters of Americans over the age of 35. Gingivitis is the most prevalent form of gum disease, and 5-15 percent of people develop periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Poor dental hygiene leads to plaque buildup, which causes gum disease. Your gums will get red, bleed, and swell as a result of the bacteria. While many people with gingivitis have no symptoms, the illness can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Schedule an appointment with a a trained professional dentist right away if you suspect you have gingivitis or periodontitis.

4. An abscessed tooth
If you have a toothache and fever or swelling in the mouth, an abscess has likely formed. An abscessed tooth is a serious dental problem that needs to be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. The abscess will continue to grow until it reaches the surface of the gum, which can cause pain and make eating particularly difficult.

5. Infection or inflammation
Infection or inflammation of a tooth can cause pain. The infection could be bacterial or viral, and the pain is usually sudden and intense. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and pus near the affected tooth. Clenching or grinding teeth is often another symptom of an infection of the teeth. In some cases, you may also experience difficulty chewing food or feel dizzy. If you think you have an infection, see your dentist as soon as possible for treatment. If left untreated, it could lead to more serious problems like abscesses and even periapical lesions (in which bacteria from the gum tissue enter into the bone around the tooth).

6. Wisdom teeth
If you're having pain in your upper back and bottom molar area and still have your wisdom teeth, it's likely time to have them removed. When wisdom teeth aren't extracted when they're ready, they can cause agony. You'll notice a sensitive and red area in the back of your mouth around your molars if your wisdom teeth are ready to come out. As your wisdom teeth grow, the pain will only get worse, especially if they become misplaced. They can push the nerves, bones, and neighboring teeth if this happens. When your wisdom teeth become stuck between neighboring teeth and your jaw bone, they might become impacted.