A toothache is something many people experience at least once in life, but it is something that most people never want to experience again, primarily because toothache pain is horrible. The pain caused by a toothache generally does not go away on its own and can be excruciating, and it can leave you feeling miserable until you get it treated. If you are wondering what causes toothaches, you should know that most toothaches are the result of decay.

How Decay Causes Toothaches

Decay on your teeth rots your teeth away, and it can also get inside your gums and cause gum disease. As this occurs to your teeth or gums, you will begin losing gum tissue or structure of your teeth. This generally leads to tooth sensitivity and can also lead to an infection forming in your tooth's roots or in your gums. The infection that forms from decay is the main cause of toothache pain. An infection in the body harms the body, and your body's way of letting you know it is there is often through pain.

Other Causes of Toothaches

While decay is the main cause of toothaches, it is not the only thing that can lead to a toothache. You might also get a toothache from some type of trauma to a tooth, or you might get a toothache from grinding your teeth or from temporomandibular joint disorder. If you are experiencing pain in a specific tooth or in your mouth in general, you will need to visit a dentist. Toothache pain rarely just goes away without any treatment.

Ways to Prevent and Treat Cavities

If you can prevent cavities from forming, you might never end up with a toothache, and you can prevent cavities by good oral daily habits and regular visits to the dentist. If you end up with a cavity, you can prevent a toothache from forming by getting it treated quickly. When you visit a dentist, he or she will determine what is causing this pain. Once the dentist finds the cause of the toothache, he or she will know how to treat the problem. The treatment might include removing a cavity or performing a root canal. It could also include other types of treatment, though, such as scaling and root planing, which is a procedure used to treat gum disease.

If you currently have a cavity or a toothache, you can get the treatment you need by contacting a dental clinic in your area to schedule a visit with a dentist.