An orthodontist talked about the common causes of toothache

Toothache is one of the most unpleasant. Polina Makhortova, candidate of medical sciences, orthodontist of the EUROKAPPA Clinic scientific and clinical center, told Izvestia on February 15 about common causes of painful sensations.

"Many patients believe that toothache occurs solely because of dental caries, but in practice there are many other factors that can cause it," the doctor noted.

It may be due to hypersensitivity to hot, cold or sweet, which can appear due to thinning enamel, bare tooth roots due to gum recession or excessive use of bleaching products.

Another cause is pulpitis. This is an inflammation of the inner part of the tooth - pulp, which can occur not only as a complication of dental caries, but also due to mechanical trauma or sudden temperature changes. The pain of pulpitis is often sharp and throbbing, the expert explained.

She also noted periodontitis. Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth can lead to pain when biting, a feeling of pressure and even the formation of pustules. It can be caused by both neglected tooth decay and trauma.

In addition, if the teeth do not close properly or if the patient suffers from bruxism (involuntary grinding of the teeth while sleeping), certain areas of the tooth row are overloaded, which can cause pain and hypersensitivity.

Gingivitis and periodontitis - inflammatory gum disease - can also cause pain. Inflamed gums, bleeding and tooth mobility are clear signs of these conditions, the orthodontist emphasized.

"Regular visits to the dentist will help to identify problems at an early stage and avoid serious complications," Makhortova advised.

The doctor recommended twice a year to undergo a preventive checkup at the dentist. At the same time, she advised to observe oral hygiene: properly brush, floss and rinse. In addition, you should avoid too hard brushes and aggressive whitening pastes, watch your diet, include in your diet foods rich in calcium and fluoride, and do not ignore bite disorders and bruxism - in time to seek orthodontic treatment.

"The body is an interconnected system, and ignoring dental problems can lead to a deterioration in general health, irritability, reduced performance," summarized Makhortova.

Earlier, on November 29, 2024, SM-Stomatology orthodontist, Candidate of Medical Sciences Natalia Yurchenko told Izvestia that improper growth of wisdom teeth can lead to serious oral health problems, including displacement of the tooth row and the development of infection. According to her, one of the most common problems is pain and discomfort.