10 Common Causes of Toothache
Toothaches can make oral functions like chewing and speaking difficult. While you wonder, “Why does my teeth hurt?”, the underlying reasons for tooth pain can be anything from cavities to habitual teeth grinding. Finding out the cause is the first step towards effective treatment and relief. Here are the ten common reasons why your teeth might be hurting.
1. Cavities
Cavities or caries are one of the most common causes of toothaches. They form as a result of plaque buildup due to poor brushing and flossing habits. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food debris, forms constantly on the teeth and the gumline every day. Without proper oral hygiene, it builds up. The bacteria feed on sugary food residues and release acids that attack the enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities.
Left untreated, cavities may grow deeper, affecting the dentine layer below the enamel. At this point, you may feel sharp pain while chewing or biting down on food. Treating cavities early is crucial to preventing them from spreading deeper into the tooth, causing infections and abscesses. If your teeth hurt after chewing, book a dental appointment right away to catch and treat cavities before they worsen.
2. Gum Disease or Receding Gums
Sometimes, dental pain may be a sign of gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. They usually result from plaque building up below the gumline. Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that appears as red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. If not treated, it may progress into a more serious form called periodontitis. It may cause the gums to move away from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots, resulting in sensitivity and tooth gum pain.
If not treated, severe periodontal disease may affect the supporting bones and tissues, leading to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. Early symptoms of gum problems may go unnoticed. However, pain is likely when the exposed tooth roots come in contact with hot or cold stimuli, an abscess forms, or the tooth support weakens. Though one of the major toothache causes, gum disease can be avoided with proactive oral care and regular dental checkups.
3. Dental Abscess or Infection
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at a tooth’s root or in the gum due to a bacterial infection. It usually occurs when harmful bacteria in the mouth reach deeper parts of the tooth or soft tissues and cause infections. With the body’s immune response, a pus-filled pocket forms, resulting in swelling, pain and pressure.
An abscessed tooth is often a result of bacterial infection from untreated cavities or cracks. However, gum abscess is usually caused by bacteria in plaque that builds up below the gumline, resulting in gum disease. An untreated dental abscess and infection can result in severe and throbbing pain. Other signs include swelling on the face, fever and a bad taste in the mouth. Dental abscesses require urgent medical care.
4. Sinus Infection or Congestion
Sometimes, when your gums and teeth hurt sinus infection may be the reason. The sinuses are located above your upper teeth. When they get infected or blocked, congestion and pressure can occur, which feels like a toothache. You may experience a dull ache during a sinus infection, allergy season or when your nose is congested.
Such pain often affects the upper back teeth and may be felt on more than one tooth. Hence, you may even wonder, “Why do all my teeth hurt?” If your toothache is accompanied by a stuffy nose, facial pressure and headache, perhaps it is not a dental issue at all. Yet, consulting a dentist helps rule out dental problems, and they may refer you to a healthcare provider.
5. Respiratory Conditions Like Cold and Flu
People with a bad cold or flu may ask, “Why do my back teeth hurt despite good oral care?” Though one of the less common toothache causes, respiratory conditions may influence how your teeth and gums feel. The common symptoms of these conditions include a stuffy nose, sore throat and a hacking cough.
When you have a cold or are sick, the pressure from the blocked nasal passage can make the upper teeth and gums sore. You may experience pain, pressure or discomfort in the back teeth (molars) and the roof of the mouth. This type of tooth pain occurs while you are sick and goes away as you recover, which means it was linked to the infection rather than your mouth.
6. Bruxism
If your teeth hurt or feel sore as you wake up or if your jaws are tight in the morning, you might be grinding your teeth at night. Known as bruxism, grinding or clenching your teeth is an unconscious act in sleep. Most people do not realise until a dental professional notices the signs of wear on the enamel. Over time, bruxism may cause tooth pain, discomfort in the jaws, headache and even cracked teeth. Dentists often suggest that people with bruxism wear a mouthguard at night to protect their teeth from further damage.
7. Enamel Erosion or Tooth Sensitivity
A sudden, sharp pain when you eat something cold, hot, sweet or sour could indicate tooth sensitivity or enamel erosion. It occurs when the hard outer layer of the teeth, the enamel, wears away, exposing the softer dentine underneath. The dentine contains tiny tubules that lead to the tooth centre or pulp, which has nerves and blood vessels. As enamel erosion exposes the dentine, the external stimuli can reach the tooth nerves, resulting in a sudden shock of pain.
Excess consumption of acidic food and drinks and bruxism are the most common reasons for enamel erosion. Tooth decay from bacterial acids also results in sensitive teeth with cavities. Moreover, if your teeth hurt after brushing, it may indicate wear of the enamel from brushing too hard. Proactive care to avoid these causes can help protect your enamel and avoid painful sensitivity.
8. Cracked or Damaged Teeth
One of the easily noticed toothache causes is a cracked, chipped or broken tooth. A fissure or crack on the tooth can cause sudden, sharp pain, especially when you chew or bite down on food. Some cracks may be small and hard to see, yet they can cause serious discomfort. Besides, they allow bacteria to enter the inside of the tooth, increasing the risk of infection and abscesses, if not treated quickly.
So, if you feel your teeth are hurting when biting down or chewing, visit your dentist to detect and treat cracks, if any. Depending on its location and severity, a dental professional may suggest solutions to repair a cracked tooth, like bonding, placing a crown or performing root canal therapy.
9. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last molars at the back of each side of the upper and lower jaws. They usually do not grow out fully, or erupt crooked and may press against other teeth, causing pain. These are known as impacted wisdom teeth. They may also cause gum swelling, jaw pain, or infections at the back of your mouth. Dental professionals use X-rays to check if wisdom teeth are the reason for a toothache. They often suggest tooth extraction for such teeth to prevent further problems.
10. Orthodontic Treatments or Dental Work
A toothache is likely if you have recently had any orthodontic treatment like braces, retainers, fillings or other dental work. Following a dental treatment, teeth may feel sore as they adjust. However, if the toothache lasts too long or gets worse, it could mean the dental work is poorly fitted or there may be another problem. It is best to follow up with your dentist or orthodontist if you feel more pain than expected after a treatment.
When to See a Dental Professional
Though some aches go away on their own, most need immediate care. They may indicate a deeper dental problem, such as a cavity, abscess, cracked tooth, or gum disease. A dentist can diagnose the exact toothache causes and suggest the right treatment options before the issue worsens. A dental visit is crucial if:
A toothache lasts more than two days or worsens with time
Your teeth hurt when chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth
You have a fever or swelling in your face or gums
While home remedies to relieve pain can be tempting, they neither address the root cause of the toothache nor have scientific proof for effectiveness and can be potentially harmful. Use of over-the-counter painkillers or pain relievers requires medical supervision. Meanwhile, here are some tips for temporary relief until your dental appointment:
Rinsing with warm salt water: You may mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water to make a rinse. Salt is a natural antiseptic and can help manage bacterial infections while soothing swellings and pain.
Cold compress: You may apply an ice pack or cold compress outside of the cheek of the painful area. It may soothe the pain temporarily by numbing the affected area.
Good oral care: Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste using a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and food debris. Floss once to clean between the teeth and the gumline. Rinse with a mouthwash to remove infection-causing bacteria.
Tooth pain can be frustrating; yet, it is your body’s way of saying something might be wrong. It can happen for many reasons. From cavities and gum disease to sinus infections or bruxism, the list of toothache causes is long. Knowing the possible causes and what each type of pain means can help you take the right action. If a toothache lasts or if you suspect a dental problem, consult a dentist immediately. While proactive care is crucial for good oral health, regular dental visits can rule out problems and keep your teeth pain-free for a healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do all my teeth hurt suddenly?
A pain in all of your teeth may be a result of teeth grinding, a sinus infection, or gum disease. Pressure from nasal congestion during a cold or flu can also cause sudden pain in all teeth.
Why do my bottom teeth hurt when I breathe?
It may indicate sensitive teeth from enamel wear or gum recession. If your enamel is worn or gums have receded, cold air may reach sensitive inner parts of the teeth, causing pain when you breathe in.
Why do my teeth hurt when I eat something sweet?
A pain in the teeth when eating something sweet may indicate cavities or tooth sensitivity. If your teeth have cavities or enamel wear, stimuli like sugar can reach below the enamel and dentine through the tooth centre and trigger pain.
What is tooth pain without cause?
A tooth pain that feels random and without cause may indicate hidden problems like tiny cracks that are hard to notice, or a sinus infection that causes nasal congestion and pressure.
Is it OK to ignore tooth pain?
No, tooth pain often means something is wrong. Ignoring it can worsen the underlying problems, like abscesses, cracks, gum disease or cavities. If you have a toothache, it is best to consult a dentist immediately.
