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What Causes a Toothache?


A tooth that has on-going pain may be a sign of a serious dental problem, such as tooth decay. Tooth Decay, also known as a cavity, occurs when bacteria living in your mouth produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel. If left untreated, the severity of a cavity can result in tooth loss.
Tooth pain is caused by a reaction of the nerves inside a tooth. However, a cavity isn’t the only dental issue that can bring on the pain.
Tooth Sensitivity – A sharp pain near a tooth when you drink or bite into something that is hot or cold is known as having tooth sensitivity. The cause can be from a small area of decay in a tooth, a loose filling or an exposed root surface resulting from gum recession.
Cracked Tooth – Feeling a sharp pain when biting down on food could be a sign of a cracked tooth and should be evaluated and treated by a dentist before the tooth breaks.
Bleeding Gums – This could simply be a sign of brushing too hard. However, if your gums are also red and swollen, it could be a sign of gingivitis. Be sure to keep regular dental exam visits with your dentist to keep your gum health in check.
There are many dental issues that, if caught early by your dentist, can be reversed. Visit your dentist every 6 months for an exam, and more frequently if you have a worrying dental issue.

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