Whether it’s a nagging toothache or a sharp pain, you know that tooth pain can be unbearable. It’s important to understand what causes the pain and how to get relief. There are many reasons for toothache, some of which can be treated at home while others require professional care. Here’s what you need to know about the most common causes of toothache and how to find relief:
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1. Tooth decay
Tooth decay is the most common cause of a toothache that radiates to the face. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in plaque on your teeth consume sugars and produce acid, which dissolves tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects them from damage and keeps them strong until you’re ready to lose them naturally through aging or gum disease (also known as periodontitis). If left untreated, this process can result in a cavity, which results in pain and swelling when food gets stuck between two damaged areas of your mouth’s soft tissues–and eventually becomes infected if not treated quickly enough! Therefore, it’s important to have a regular visits to the dentist.
2. Gum disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It’s caused by bacteria that build up and attack the gums around your teeth.
The symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth
- Pain when chewing or talking with your mouth open
- Swollen red gums that bleed easily
3. Inflamed gums
Inflamed gums are one of the most common causes of toothache. They can develop when bacteria build up in your mouth, or if you injure your gums.
Gum inflammation will cause them to be red, swollen, and tender. You might also find that brushing your teeth causes bleeding from inflamed gums (gingivitis). If left untreated, this can lead to more serious problems such as periodontitis (gum disease).
4. Impacted wisdom teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are the most common cause of toothache. They can grow at an angle or in the wrong direction, which makes it difficult for them to fit into your mouth. This is called impaction, and it can cause pain and infection if you don’t have them removed.
The impactions may be mild or severe:
- Mild: The wisdom tooth only partially erupts through the gum tissue (the soft tissue around your teeth) while remaining embedded in the bone beneath it. This type of impaction is common during adolescence or early adulthood when jaws are still growing and developing their adult shape and size as well as alignment with neighboring teeth on either side of each jawbone where these four third molars sit snugly between two upper bicuspids (two front middle incisors) on one side, then two lower bicuspids (two front lower incisors) on another side forming four quadrants total within each jawbone structure that holds eight total third molars total per individual human being – four per side equaling 16 total throughout both jaws combined!
5. Abscesses and cysts
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the root of a tooth. It can be painful, and if left untreated, it can lead to other problems such as an infection or even jawbone loss.
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms inside your mouth. The most common type of cyst is called an odontogenic keratocyst–this type usually grows in the bone near your wisdom teeth (which are usually removed during adulthood). If you have this type of cyst and it becomes infected or inflamed, then it may cause pain in addition to swelling around your jawline or cheekbones.
The Bottom Line
When a toothache is accompanied by facial pain, it’s important to identify the cause of the problem. Toothache can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as cavities or gum disease. In some cases, it may be necessary to see an oral health professional for diagnosis and treatment options.
The cause of toothache radiating to the face is usually the result of inflammation in a tooth. There are a number of reasons why this can happen, including decay, infection, and injury.
Some common symptoms include facial pain, sensitivity to hot or cold foods/beverages, and swelling around the painful area.
The primary treatment for this condition is usually pain medication. You may also need additional medications for inflammation or infection if those issues are present. In some cases, surgery may be required if there is damage to your jawbone or sinuses from an accident or trauma.