Ogden Nash once said, “Some tortures are physical and some are mental. But the one that is both is dental.” And everyone who has ever experienced a toothache will agree. Most people can endure any kind of pain except for a toothache.
According to dentists, there are different causes or reasons for toothaches. Here are some classic examples.
Some people complain of toothaches when they take a cold drink and this is a familiar occurrence for us. Dentists share that some people also experience toothaches when there is a cold blast of wind. Dentists explain that if the pain lasts for about 5-10 seconds, it is just most likely because of sensitive teeth. In such cases, it is best to change toothpastes to one for sensitive teeth. But if the pain lasts much longer than that, it may be due to cavity or broken filling. In either case, it is best to see your dentist for a consult. Now, you also need to think hard where the pain comes from. If the pain comes from a particular side of your mouth, it may be due to your bite (might be misaligned) or due to a chipped tooth enamel. If it is the former, you have to go to the dentist so he can adjust your bite. If it is the latter, you have to use a protective toothpaste and lay off certain foods like soda or coffee, which wear away the enamel of your teeth.
If the pain comes from all over your mouth, you may have some form of gum disease, usually because the roots of your teeth are exposed. Visiting a periodontist is a must so he can put composites over the exposed roots.
There are also some people who experience pain when walking on hard surfaces, or going up and down the stairs, or jumping up and down, any action that put pressure on your teeth. You may think it is crazy but it is not. And the pain comes from the top teeth. If this is so, it may be because of sinus issues. The pain may intensify the harder the surface. You have sinuses behind your checks and the roots of your top teeth are right next to them. So when your sinuses are inflamed, it is not surprising that you feel pain in your teeth. But don’t worry. As soon as your sinuses clear, the pain will also go away.
Other times, if clogged sinuses are not the culprit, it may be due to bruxism. Bruxism is what you call unconsciously grinding or clenching your teeth. This usually happens when you work hard or when you are stressed. If you cannot stop clenching or grinding your teeth, best to use a mouthguard to protect your teeth. Practice loosening or relaxing your jaw regularly so save your teeth as well.
