How Does
How Does a Tooth Ache Develop?
Cavities
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Cavity near tooth root
A tooth ache can develop from cavities, cracked enamel, gum disease, abscesses, infections and exposed roots. Cavities can cause tooth pain by eating through tooth enamel. As an example, sugar converts to acid in the mouth, which damages the enamel by eating away at it and softening it. It is this enamel which protects the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is where the tooth nerves are located. When cavities eat through the enamel so much that the root and nerve is exposed, this is when severe pain is most common. Sensitivity to extreme hot or cold temperatures also occur from exposed roots.
Ginigivitis
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Gingivitis
Gingivitis is also known as gum disease. When gingivitis sets in, it causes a softening of the tissue around the teeth and bone. As the gums recede, bacteria can creep in and cause the bone that holds the teeth in place to dissolve. As the gums and the bones surrounding teeth recede, nerves and roots of the teeth are exposed. This condition also leads to tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Even just having air blow on an exposed nerve can cause severe tooth pain.
Cracked Tooth Enamel
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A cracked tooth is often the result of biting on a hard object, or a hit to the tooth. Weak enamel often cracks when one bites on a nut or piece of hard candy or food. This is a tooth fracture caused by something other than a cavity or gingivitis. When enamel is cracked, the tooth can be sore to touch as well as sensitive to hot and cold. Cracked enamel can lead to further tooth damage if bacteria is allowed to seep into the tooth, affecting the root and the pulp and causing severe tooth pain.
eHow Article: How Does a Tooth Ache Develop?
