A toothache is your mouth’s way of warning you that something may be wrong. Even if you had a dental checkup some weeks before then, when your tooth starts to ache, you need to schedule another visit to address whatever it may be before it gets serious. Here are some conditions that may cause sudden toothache:
- Tooth decay
This is one of the major causes of a toothache. Tooth decay happens as a result of poor oral care and it leads to the formation of holes in the tooth. If you don’t treat it quickly, you may end up losing one or more teeth.
- Gum disease
According to the American Dental Association, a majority of American adults have gum disease. Since the condition doesn’t cause pain in its early stages, many fail to notice it until it has advanced. A toothache may be a sign that your gum disease is getting serious.
- Wisdom teeth
If the aching is coming from the back of your teeth (your molars), it may be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted. You need to visit a dentist and have them removed.
- Malocclusion
Also known as a misaligned or abnormal bite, malocclusion happens when your upper teeth meet the lower teeth in the wrong way. This can be corrected with surgery or by using orthodontic devices, e.g. braces.
- Teeth grinding
Grinding your teeth is a bad dental habit and when you do it over time, it causes toothaches. It may also lead to Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).
It is better to visit a dentist and find that your toothache is not indicative of a more serious condition than to ignore a worsening gum disease or tooth decay. Get that pain checked out today.