A toothache can sneak up on you at the worst times, turning an ordinary day into a painful one. While cavities and infections are well-known causes, other toothache triggers are often ignored. Learning the unlikely causes of tooth pain can help you take better care of your smile and avoid costly dental treatments.
Are you dealing with a persistent toothache? Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable – schedule a visit with Thomas F. Brown, DDS, today. Just dial (630) 296-9156 to schedule emergency dental care in Naperville, IL, when you need it most.
Sugary Snacks and Hidden Sugar
Sugar is a leading cause of toothaches, but it’s not just candy to blame. Bread, flavored yogurt, and even salad dressings can hide sugar.
Bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar in your food. After eating sugar, these oral bacteria produce acids that then wear away tooth enamel. This damage makes teeth sensitive and prone to pain.
Limiting sugar isn’t just about skipping dessert – it’s about reading labels and making small swaps, like choosing plain yogurt over sweetened varieties.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Citrus fruits, fizzy drinks, and sports beverages are acidic. Even healthy foods like tomatoes can weaken tooth enamel if eaten too often. Once enamel wears down, nerve endings become more exposed, triggering a toothache.
To protect your teeth, enjoy acidic foods in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones can also be behind your toothache. Many people notice increased gum tenderness or tooth sensitivity during pregnancy, menopause, or certain points in their menstrual cycle. These changes can increase inflammation and make teeth feel more sensitive.
Good oral hygiene and regular checkups with Thomas F. Brown, DDS, help keep hormone-related pain under control.
Stress and Teeth Grinding
When you’re stressed, you may clench or grind your teeth, often without realizing it. Over time, this pressure can cause cracks, enamel wear, and sensitivity, leading to a toothache.
Wearing a night guard and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing can reduce damage.
Temperature Extremes
Frequent exposure to extreme heat and cold can affect your teeth. Sipping iced coffee after a hot meal or biting into frozen treats may cause small cracks or nerve irritation, resulting in a toothache.
Let your food and drinks cool or warm to a moderate temperature before eating.
Seasonal Allergies
Allergies can create sinus pressure, which sometimes radiates pain to the upper teeth. This can feel just like a toothache, even when there’s nothing wrong with the tooth itself.
Managing allergies with proper medication can prevent unnecessary dental discomfort.
Poor Hydration
A dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable – it can raise your risk of cavities and toothache. Saliva helps whisk away bacteria and balance oral pH, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Toothache Won’t Go Away? See a Dentist in Naperville, IL, Today!
If a toothache lasts more than a couple of days, or the pain is severe, it’s time to see your dentist in Naperville, IL. Thomas F. Brown, DDS, can diagnose the cause and recommend the best dental treatments to get you smiling again.
Easily book an appointment with Thomas F. Brown, DDS, on our website here, or call us at (630) 296-9156 for scheduling assistance.