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
microscopicl
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
Fracture 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:
