What's Causing Your Toothache?

Difficulty eating. A throbbing jaw. Sensitivity to hot and cold. Tooth pain announces itself in several unpleasant ways, and whether it’s a dull, lingering ache or a sudden sharp jolt, it’s usually a sign worth acting on. As a general rule, if you’ve had tooth or mouth pain for more than 24 hours, it’s worth booking a visit.

When you come in, we’ll work out what’s behind it. More often than not, it’s one of the following.

Tooth decay

Decay is a leading cause of tooth pain. As enamel wears thin, teeth can become more sensitive to hot and cold, leading to sudden twinges, and decay is also what causes cavities. Caught early, it’s far simpler to deal with, which is one more reason not to wait pain out.

Infection

A tooth infection can develop when bacteria get into a tooth, often through a crack, chip or cavity. Skimping on daily care makes an infection more likely. Because infections can worsen if left, persistent pain that might point to one is best assessed promptly.

Teeth grinding

Waking with a headache or sore jaw? Night-time teeth grinding could be the cause. Clenching the jaw tightly for hours during sleep can lead to tooth pain, and when you visit, we can usually spot the signs of grinding by examining your teeth and bite.

An uneven bite

A bite that doesn’t come together evenly can place extra strain on the jaw muscles, leading to tooth and mouth pain. Over time, that imbalance can also contribute to TMJ-related issues, which is why it’s worth identifying.

Tooth eruption in children

If you have little ones, you’ll know the discomfort that comes with teething. In infants this typically begins around six months, while older children start losing their baby teeth around six or seven, both of which can bring their own aches.

Don't wait it out

If you’re dealing with tooth pain, get in touch with TMJ Therapy Centre to book an appointment, and we’ll do our best to get you comfortable again quickly.