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We say to children “Use your words” but a tooth doesn’t have a direct way to tell you when something is wrong. In fact, the outer layers of a tooth don’t have nerves to sense pain, heat or cold. But a tooth has ways alert you when there is trouble. Whether a tooth is throbbing or just mildly sore, a toothache is a message that something is not right. A toothache is a signal to contact us for a dental appointment for expert advice on care and treatment for the situation.

Toothaches from Bruxism

Bruxism is the habit of teeth grinding, often done without concious thought, or during the night. You may not be aware of this habit, but it can result in toothache, jaw ache and headaches. If left untreated, teeth can sustain fractures from the constant pressures. Along with physical pain from teeth grinding, the noise of bruxism can disrupt sleep for others in the bedroom. Parents have even reported hearing their child’s bruxism from another bedroom. Toothaches from bruxism can often be relieved with the used of a custom-fitted mouthguard, that covers the teeth of the upper and lower jaws, so tooth surfaces don’t grind together

Toothaches from a Cavity

As the surface layers of a tooth do not have nerve endings, a small cavity may not cause pain, but will be spotted by a dental hygienist at a routine checkup and cleaning. When caught early, a cavity can be gently cleaned out, and the missing area restored with a tooth colored filling. This renders the tooth whole, and is almost invisible. When a cavity is not caught early, the infection can extend to the nerve-connected center pulp and roots of a tooth. A filling may still be an effective treatment, or in some cases, the infected tooth may need a root canal treatment to resolve the issue.

Some Other Causes of Toothaches

Toothaches have other underlying causes. If a severe toothache comes on without warning, it may constitute a dental emergency, and you may need to be seem immediately. It is never wrong to call our office and ask for advice. In a few cases a toothache may resolve on its own, such as when a sinus infection clears up. Toothaches have many causes, including (but not limited to):

  • Tooth decay
  • A tooth abscess
  • Sinus infection
  • Teeth the are coming in, such as adult teeth, or wisdom teeth
  • Gum disease
  • Issues with the TMJ (temporomandibular joint)

We Can Help with Toothache Issues

There is no need to suffer in silence or try to “wait out” a painful toothache. Give us a call in Riverside, CA to schedule a consultation with your dentist. We are proud to serve patients from Riverside, Temecula, Moreno Valley, Corona, and all surrounding California communities. To schedule an appointment, contact one of the following locations nearest to you:

Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.

Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.

Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest in Riverside, CA at (951) 776-9001.

Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.

Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.

Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.