Many of us experience tooth discomfort or pain from time to time. Whether it starts with a little sensitivity, a dull, continuous ache, or suddenly as a short, sharp pain, any tooth-related pain is difficult to ignore. It's also generally a sign that there’s something not right with a tooth or gums.
10 most common causes for a toothache
1. Worn tooth enamel
This is where the sensitive nerves of the teeth are exposed because the enamel has eroded. Eating or drinking something cold, or hot, can cause a sudden, intense pain.
2. Tooth decay
Decay occurs when a hole forms and damages the hard surface of the tooth. Pain is especially noticeable when eating sweet, hot or cold foods. Left untreated, an infection or abscess can form.
3. Sensitive teeth
When the soft inner layer of the tooth (the dentine) becomes exposed, the nerves in the centre of the tooth react to cold or heat and sweet and sour flavours. During and after teeth whitening, tooth sensitivity is more common.
4. Receding gums
This is where the more sensitive areas of the tooth and root surfaces are exposed. Bacteria can form in pockets around the affected teeth, leading to periodontal disease.
5. A cracked tooth
A fracture (break), a craze (vertical line) or crack running on the inside or the outside of a tooth can cause a toothache. Cracks may affect just a portion of a tooth or the whole tooth and treatment depends on the extent of the crack.
6. Tooth grinding or clenching
Many people grind their teeth during their sleep or when they’re stressed.
7. Recent dental work
A toothache is more common for a day or so after having dental work.
8. Sinus infection
Pressure builds within the sinuses from infection. This causes a flow-on effect to the sensitive nerve endings in the teeth.
9. Orthodontic work
A toothache is usually more noticeable for a few days after adjustments to braces and retainers.
10. Impacted wisdom teeth
This can occur when the wisdom teeth have not erupted or cut through the gum but instead, are putting pressure against other teeth.
How to prevent toothaches
Here are a few tips to help you prevent tooth-related pain:
See your dentist regularly (ideally every six months). Prevention, as well as early detection and treatment of problems, is the best way to prevent a toothache
Brush your teeth at least twice each day with a fluoridated toothpaste and floss daily
Eat a healthy, nutritious diet which will support your body to stay well and healthy
Avoid snacking
Drink plain water between meals
Counselling for stress-related tooth grinding can also be very helpful
Treatment for toothaches
It’s important not to put off a dental visit if you have a toothache. Early diagnosis and treatment will help ease your pain and may even save your tooth. Treatment for toothaches depends on the cause. Your dentist will need to examine your teeth to diagnose the reason and then recommend the best management.
If your toothache is due to tooth grinding, a purpose-fitted mouth guard could help protect your teeth from pressure damage.
Sometimes the cause for a toothache may be more complex, so a few appointments will be necessary.
Ready to book an appointment with a dentist?
A great place to begin is by searching for a No Gap dental provider. Eligible members may get 100% back on preventative dental check-ups.^ Visit the No Gap Dental page for full terms and conditions.
Alternatively, you can search for a dentist near you through nib's First Choice Network. This is a community of health providers who’ve agreed to provide nib members with quality healthcare. We recommend you and your family visit your dentist every six months for a check-up and more regularly if you have a concern.
At nib, we offer a range of Extras covers that include benefits for dental care. If you’re already an nib member, you can check your current policy using member account. Alternatively, you can get a quote online in just minutes.
The information contained in this article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised medical advice, always consult your qualified healthcare professional.
^Payment by nib of dental benefits is subject to serving relevant waiting periods, annual limits and service limits. Check your cover by visiting your member account or call 13 16 42. The dental check-up covers an examination or consultation (011 to 015), diagnostics (022, 037) scale and clean (114, 115) or removal of plaque (111), fluoride treatment (121) as deemed necessary and appropriate in the clinical opinion of the dentist (dentures not included). The services provided will be deducted from your annual limits and/or service limits. The No Gap offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or government scheme, nor substitutable or redeemable for cash and is only available with dentists who have a No Gap First Choice network provider agreement with nib.
