Toothache is elicited by stimulation of the nerves in the pulp of a tooth. Common causes are:
Dental Caries
The bacteria in the cavity of a carious tooth cause inflammation of the pulp tissues, stimulating the nerves in the pulp.
Exposure
of Dentine (tooth sensitivity) There are numerous microcscopicl
tubules in the dentine
which connect to the pulp. If these tubules are exposed
because of the gum recession or severe tooth wear (e.g.
abraded by toothbrushing or eroded by acidic food and
beverages), pain will be elicited in the nerves of the
pulp through these tubules when the tooth is stimulated
by cold, hot, sweet or sour food.
At the same time, the toxins released by the dental plaque may also stimulate the nerves in the pulp through the exposed dentine.
Tooth abraded by toothbrushing
Fractured Tooth The exposed dentine and/or
pulp tissues resulting from fractured tooth are susceptible
to any external stimuli.
Causes for painful gingivae
Painful gingivae are caused by the inflammation of the periodontal tissues. Common causes are:
Dental Caries In
a severely decayed tooth, the pulp tissues may become
necrotic. The bacteria of the necrotic pulp cause infection
of the periodontal tissues via the root canal, leading
to inflammation and formation of abscess.
Periodontal Disease The toxins released by the dental plaque cause inflammation of the periodontal tissues.
Pericoronitis Food debris and bacteria are easily trapped in the space between the crown of the wisdom tooth and the overlying gingiva (gum), resulting in the infection of the periodontal tissues (Pericoronitis).
Treatment
Go to see a dentist to receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible:
