Many people have experienced tooth pain at some point in their lives. Sometimes it comes on gradually, and other times you can be sipping a hot drink or biting into something and the pain suddenly hits. Naturally, you’ve then wondered about what causes tooth pain. One thing is certain: you need to get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible. Meanwhile, find out the most common tooth pain causes and learn how to prevent tooth pain from striking.
What causes toothache?
There are many possible causes of toothache, whether it’s mild sensitivity or sharp pain. Before we look at the best ways to prevent toothache, it’s important to establish what causes tooth pain in the first place:
- Tooth decay: Bacteria in the mouth leads to weakening of the tooth’s enamel and development of cavities. This exposes the softer layer of dentine, which can leave the nerves vulnerable to pain triggers, such as hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Tooth abscess: When a tooth cracks or a cavity becomes large, an infection can attack from root to tip, leading to persistent pain that can even keep you up at night.
- A damaged filling: If the seal is broken on your filling, bacteria can enter the exposed interior and cause pain.
- Gum disease: Although gum disease doesn’t always cause tooth pain, it can do. Inflammation around the tooth can create pressure and discomfort.
It’s important to make an appointment with your dentist if you’re experiencing the following:
- Your pain doesn’t subside with painkillers.
- Your pain lasts for more than two days.
- You have a high temperature.
- You have red gums.
- Your jaw or cheek are inflamed.
If you’re concerned about the severity of your symptoms or they’re getting rapidly worse, make sure to seek help of a medical professional or head straight to A&E.
How to prevent toothache
Being aware of what causes toothache is a good first line of defence. The next step is to learn tactics to avoid the pain hitting, including how to prevent toothache at home:
1. Visit your dentist twice a year: In those check-ups, dentists will be able to identify any early signs of decay and other problems, get rid of any excess plaque, and give expert advice that’s specific to your oral health.
2. Brush twice a day: Cleaning your teeth will help prevent plaque from attacking the enamel of your teeth. Wait at least half an hour after eating or drinking in order to minimise the risk of erosion.
3. Floss every day: Daily flossing stops plaque from building up along the gum line and in the tight gaps between your teeth.
4. Rinse with mouthwash: This will finish off your daily oral hygiene routine and get rid of any leftover particles that could lead to bacteria forming.
The number one takeaway from all this is that sticking to a consistent oral health routine is the top priority when it comes to addressing the question of how to prevent toothache. This includes using effective, clinically proven oral care products to ensure longevity of your smile. Regenerate’s clinically tested range can play a major role in the overall health of your teeth. Regenerate’s Enamel Science™ is the first system able to regenerate enamel mineral1, preserving the longevity of your smile.
¹Acts on early invisible stages of enamel erosion by restoring its mineral content and micro-hardness with regular use. Clinically proven.
The advice in this article does not constitute medical advice; it is solely available for information purposes. We recommend that you consult your dentist If you are experiencing any gum problems.
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