The causes of toothache that should not be ignored

Do cold drinks make your teeth sore or do you grimace when you brush your teeth in the morning? If so, you have sensitive teeth that can cause pain. It is better if you know in advance what causes painful or sensitive teeth to bother you.

Various causes of toothache

Teeth become sensitive when a layer of teeth called dentin is exposed to the outside of the tooth, for example due to enamel damage. Enamel is a protective barrier that is on the outer layer of teeth.

Dentin is connected by a channel that contains nerve fibers. So, when the dentine is exposed to cold, heat, or food, automatically the nerve fibers are also exposed and make teeth ache.

There are several things that cause teeth to become more sensitive or feel sore. You can avoid it so that the pain doesn't recur or get worse.

1. Not being careful when you brush your teeth

When brushing your teeth, you have to pay attention to a number of things so that you don't trigger damage to tooth enamel. Brushing too hard and too much pressure is the wrong way to brush your teeth and can cause toothache.

Toothbrush selection factors can also trigger sensitive teeth. Using a hard, coarse bristle brush can make gum sores and teeth ache.

Brushing your teeth too hard with coarse bristles will gradually cause erosion of the tooth layer. As a result, the teeth become sore and sensitive. The simplest solution is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and to brush your teeth more slowly.

2. Food consumed

Maybe you don't really realize which foods and drinks can make your teeth ache. Therefore, it is better to start paying more attention to what foods can trigger toothache at any time.

Foods and drinks that trigger toothache are especially those that are too acidic, hot, or cold. Here are some types of foods and drinks that cause toothache.

• Ice Cube. Not only is the temperature of the ice cubes very cold, the hard texture of the ice cubes can also damage the lining of the teeth, causing tooth pain.

• Candy which is very sweet and sticky that sticks to the teeth can stimulate the nerves in the dentin (inner layer of the teeth) and the teeth can hurt even more.
• Sour fruits. According to Academy of General Dentistry, an organization of dental professionals, sour fruits can trigger toothache because the acidity of these fruits can dissolve tooth enamel.
• Hot drinks and food such as tea and coffee are also often the cause of toothache.
• Soda has two main ingredients that can stimulate tooth pain, namely sugar and acid, so it's no wonder that soda is very easy to make teeth ache.

Exposure to the temperature of the drink or food you consume can directly affect the exposed dentis. Drinks and foods that are too cold, too hot, or too acidic can also cause erosion of the lining of the teeth (tooth erosion). This is what makes teeth feel sore.

The habit of eating hot food and then immediately drinking cold or vice versa is also one of the bad habits that causes toothache due to erosion.

If your nerve pathways are exposed to acidic foods such as ketchup, lemon, kiwi, and pickles, you can also feel toothache. Reducing foods or drinks like that can help you to avoid toothache.

3. Using whitening toothpaste

You may be using toothpaste that contains chemicals to whiten your teeth. These chemicals are sometimes too harsh so they can damage the surface of the teeth and lead to tooth sensitivity aches.

If your toothpaste contains a bleaching agent, consider replacing the product immediately. For example, by using regular or special toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

4. His hobby is gargling with medicine

Like whitening toothpaste, some mouthwashes contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive to stimuli. Especially if your dentin area is exposed.

This is because the dentin is connected directly to the nerve center in the tooth. So if it is not protected, the nerve center will be susceptible to pain.

Instead, try flossing your teeth to clean any food debris that has slipped between your teeth and can't be reached by the toothbrush.

Not only that, if you are used to using mouthwash, try choosing another type of mouthwash. For example, mouthwash that does not contain alcohol and mouthwash that contains fluoride for sensitive teeth.

5. Gum disease

As you get older (especially if you don't take care of your teeth), you can develop various gum diseases. Gum disease can cause tooth sensitivity so that the teeth ache.

If gum disease is the problem, your dentist will offer appropriate treatment to treat the disease that is causing it.

Gum problems that can also be a cause of sensitive teeth, such as inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or gum infection (periodontitis). So, make it a habit to regularly check with your dentist.

6. Excessive plaque buildup

The purpose of using dental floss and a toothbrush is to remove plaque that builds up after you eat. Excess plaque buildup can cause tooth enamel to be lost.

Therefore, this can also be one of the causes of toothache or sensitivity due to losing the protection provided by enamel.

The solution is to have a good daily dental care and visit your dentist to clean it at least once every six months.

7. Cavities and decay

Cavities can cause more pain than sensitive teeth. Your dentist will need to examine your teeth and determine the appropriate treatment, such as a tooth filling.

As you age, the patches can weaken, break, or leak around the edges. This can make it easier for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny gaps. Eventually it forms a buildup of acid that causes tooth enamel to break down.

8. There is a broken tooth

Have you ever had a tooth that suddenly broke from biting something hard enough? Not only that, this condition can also be caused due to an injury or not being able to bear the weight when biting.

Be careful because even cracked or broken teeth can cause your teeth to feel sore. If left alone it can cause excessive pain. Immediately see a doctor to get further treatment.

9. Effects after performing medical procedures

Do you have a constant pain in your teeth after performing certain procedures at the dentist? Don't panic just yet because these conditions are common.

Typically, root canal procedures, extractions, or placement of crowns can also cause tooth pain.

However, if the pain doesn't go away after a few hours or even a day, it's best to call your doctor again. This needs to be done to avoid infection after the procedure that has been carried out.

10. Perform the bleaching process

Toothpaste with whitening content can make your teeth more sensitive. Likewise when you do such treatments teeth bleaching which can also be the cause of the teeth to ache.

This is because the chemical content of the stain remover is hard enough to erode the enamel.

A 2018 study published by Journal of the American Dental Association find, applying desensitizing gel prior to processing bleaching claimed to reduce pain after treatment.