Behind the pain
Why do teeth start to ache?
At the centre of each tooth is the pulp, a soft core of nerve fibres and blood supply sealed inside hard enamel and dentine. Anything that breaches that seal or inflames the pulp can cause pain. Here is what we find most often in Lansvale:
- Decay. Acid from plaque eats through the enamel. Once a cavity reaches the dentine, the tooth starts reacting to cold, heat and sugar.
- Cracks and broken fillings. A fine crack may only hurt when you bite down or let go. A filling that has fallen out leaves the sensitive inner tooth uncovered.
- Infection at the root. If bacteria get into the pulp, an abscess can form at the end of the root, causing deep, pounding pain and sometimes swelling.
- Gum disease and receding gums. Exposed root surfaces and inflamed gums can make a tooth feel sore to brush or chew on.
- Wisdom teeth. A wisdom tooth that has only half come through can trap food under a flap of gum that becomes swollen and painful.
Not every toothache starts in a tooth. Sinus congestion and a tight, clenched jaw can both feel like tooth pain, which is another reason to have it examined.
