Why Toothaches Hurt So Much

Many people experiencing full-blown toothaches describe them as the worst pain they’ve ever experienced. It might be hard to believe a tiny tooth could cause such extreme pain; the reason it can has everything to do with the tightly closed system inside the tooth.

The Anatomy of a Toothache

You don’t normally feel a small cavity in your tooth. That’s why seeing the dentist for regular examinations is so important—your dentist can find and treat small spots of decay so they don’t invade the more sensitive parts of your tooth.

If left untreated, bacteria causing the cavity will attack more of your tooth, eating its way through the enamel (the hard, white shell). Under the enamel is the dentin, a softer form of bone which has channels that connect to the nerves.

Once in the dentin, the bacterial infection progresses rapidly to infect the pulp—the soft, innermost part of the tooth, resulting in intense pain. Why is it so painful?

Big Pressure, Tiny Channel

Any infection causes inflammation and swelling. A tooth’s pulp tissue also responds by becoming inflamed, but there’s no room for the swelling. There’s only the tiny space inside the tooth which holds the pulp, limited by hard bone. You experience the pressure of the inflammation as intense nerve pain.

An infection in the pulp that’s not promptly treated can travel to the roots of the tooth. Then there’s even more pain and swelling and an abscess is likely to form. At this point, your overall health can be affected by the infection.

Treating a Toothache

The two most usual treatments for a toothache are root canal therapy or extraction. In both cases, the infection is usually addressed with antibiotics beforehand. Whenever possible, we will preserve your tooth with root canal therapy followed by a crown.

Preventing the Pain

To avoid tooth pain, preventative habits are paramount. Seeing your dentist twice a year and maintaining good, at-home hygiene practices of twice-daily brushing and daily flossing are vital. When we recommend treating a filling, get it done immediately. And the first time you have a little twinge in a tooth, make an appointment to see us right away. We’re here to help you keep those small problems from becoming big ones.

We care about your oral health. Contact StarBrite Dental in Rockville, MDfor an appointment or consultation today.