Bolivar Family Dental
Back to News

September 27, 2012

6 Causes of Toothaches

Tooth pain can have a variety of causes, ranging from minor irritation to serious infection. Here are six common causes of toothaches.

Cavities

Untreated cavities allow decay to reach the inner layers of a tooth, often causing pain that worsens over time.

Abscesses

A dental abscess is a pocket of infection that can cause severe, persistent pain and requires prompt treatment.

Injury

A cracked or fractured tooth from injury can expose sensitive inner layers, leading to pain when chewing or with temperature changes.

Sinusitis

Sinus infections can cause pain that radiates to the upper teeth, mimicking a toothache.

Wisdom Teeth

Impacted or emerging wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and pressure in the back of the mouth.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Problems with the jaw joint can cause pain that radiates to the teeth and surrounding areas.

What To Do

If you're experiencing a toothache, it's important to see your dentist to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.