Toothache pain can stop you in your tracks, and the cause of a toothache isn't always apparent. Many people who take exce lent care of their teeth may find themselves with a toothache
from time to time. If you're struggling with toothaches and you're sure that cavities aren't to blame, consider whether any of these potential causes for toothaches may apply to you.
1.
Teeth
Grinding
If you often suffer fromheadaches or jaw pain that is worse when you first wake up, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep without realizing it. This condition is known as bruxism and is thought to occur more frequently in people with anxiety and high stress levels. Some people develop teeth with flat
edges from the grinding forces of bruxism, while many people only become aware once their partner informs themthey are grinding their teeth. The most effective option is to visit your dentist. They can provide a custom
mouthguard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
2.
Hidden
Tooth
Fracture
A crack or chip in the enamel of a tooth
is known as a tooth
fracture. Tooth fractures often cause pain and sensitivity that is intermittent and difficult to diagnose, commonly referred to as cracked tooth syndrome. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, your dentist may struggle to detect it visua ly, and it may not appear
on a dental
X-ray.
If your dentist identifies a fracture during your visit, he or she wil
assess the depth of the fracture to determine how to treat it. Your dentist can repair
cracks that are only in the outer enamel layer of your teeth by removing the damaged section and placing a crown or filing. Unfortunately, some fractures
run deeper and cause damage to the dentin or pulp inside the tooth. In this case, a root canal
or extraction may be required.
3.
TMJ
Disorders
The temporomandibular joint, commonly abbreviated TMJ, is the joint that controls the opening and closing of the jaw. TMJ disorders envelop a range of conditions that include inflammation
and stiffness in this joint. Treatment for TMJ disorders
typica ly involves pain relievers and muscle relaxants.
4.
Gum
Recession
The roots of your teeth are more sensitive than the crowns because of the high density of nerves they contain. Norma ly, the sensitive roots are protected
because they are embedded in the gums. In people who are suffering fromgumrecession, however, the roots are exposed, which can lead to significant
pain or sensitivity.
Gumrecession is most often associated with gumdisease and poor dental hygiene, but there are other potential causes. Manual erosion of the gums is possible, most often frombrushing too hard. Genetics can also play a role, so you may want to find out if anyone in your family
has a history
of gum disease.
If your dentist determines that your gumrecession
is severe
enough to
require treatment, you
may be able
to pick between
a number of treatment options.
No matter what may be causing your toothaches, they aren't a problem that you have to live with. Visit us at Family Dental Care of Wilmington
so we can help you keep your smile healthy and pain-free.
