Have A Toothache? These Non-Dental Related Causes Could Be Why

Abscess, gum disease, and cavities may be common reasons that toothaches occur, but tooth pain does not always originate from dental related causes. If your dentist is unable to find a reason for your toothache, it could be caused by any of these things.

TMD – Temporomandibular Disorders

TMD is often responsible for causing neck and head pain, earaches, swelling, popping noises, and even pain in your teeth and jaw. Symptoms of having TMD may occur on either side of your face if you are having a problem with the muscles in your jaw, or the TMJ joint that connects your lower jawbone to your skull.

You may start experiencing these TMD symptoms when you have suffered whiplash, a jaw related injury, TMJ related arthritis, when clenching or grinding your teeth, and stress that tightens the jaw and facial muscles.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy related pain will happen when nerve fibers become damaged, and they send your brain pain messages that are incorrect. You may experience numbness and tingling, as well as stabbing, shooting, or burning pain. The pain may be continuous, or only occur from time to time. This type of neuropathic tooth pain can be caused by trauma to your teeth and gums.

Sometimes tooth pain is chronic, and often related to teeth brushing, eating, or touching around your facial area. This type of pain is called trigeminal neuralgia, and can be very similar to a toothache.

Sinus Issues

Sinuses often cause discomfort in your jaw due to their proximity to the nerves in your teeth. It can cause a pain that is throbbing, dull, or aching along the rear upper jaw of your mouth. You may also experience pressure underneath your eyes, which can be amplified by sneezing, coughing, or chewing.

Toothaches occur when the sinuses are unable to drain, and they cause pain that spreads to the roots of the teeth in your mouth. X-rays can be used to properly diagnose the problem.

Headaches

Cluster headaches and migraine headaches create a sensation of throbbing and piercing. The pain may originate behind the eye, and eventually radiate down to your teeth. This will cause a sensation similar to a toothache once the pain reaches your upper gums, teeth, or cheeks.

If you are unsure of what is causing your toothache, visit your dentist immediately. While it may be caused by one of these factors, toothaches may be a sign of a serious dental problem. Talk to a dentist like Scott W. Murphy, D.M.D., P.A. to learn more.