Many people experiencing toothaches figure that their discomfort will eventually fade with time, especially if it’s only impacting one side of their mouth, but that’s not usually the case. Dental problems don’t usually resolve themselves and tend to get progressively worse.
Waiting to see your dentist can result in more complex and costly procedures that might otherwise have been avoided. If you delay your visit too long, you might even develop a dental emergency, like an infected or broken tooth. To safeguard your smile, continue reading to learn 3 potential causes of a single-sided toothache and how to address them.
Issue #1: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
Your jawbone connects to your skull via two sliding hinge joints located just in front of your ears, called the temporomandibular joints. They control the movements of your jaw, and when they’re healthy, they allow for a wide range of motion. You can open or close your mouth, push your chin bone forward or back, and shift your jaw from side to side.
However, if your teeth are misaligned or you chronically grind your teeth, you could overwork these tender joints, causing one or both to become sore and inflamed. This can cause toothaches, headaches, or even a stiff or locked jaw that interferes with your daily life. If you’re unsure whether you’re coping with a TMJ disorder, you can find out by consulting your dentist. They can provide oral appliances to protect your teeth while giving your jaw a break so it can heal.
Issue #2: Oral Problems
Unfortunately, tooth decay is a common culprit that can cause pain. Cavities occur when bacteria in your mouth flourish and produce enough acids to wear through your enamel. Then, they can penetrate the tender pulp inside your tooth, causing an infection that can spread to your gums or jawbone if left unaddressed.
If your discomfort seems centered around one tooth specifically, this might be the cause. Your dentist will need to examine your condition to recommend appropriate solutions, like a tooth-colored filling or an emergency root canal, followed by placing a dental crown.
Issue #3: Other Health Concerns
Many patients are surprised to learn that other illnesses, like a sinus infection, can also cause dental throbbing. This is particularly true for your upper arch of teeth, which are located close to your maxillary sinuses. If you become sick with a cold, flu, or other bug that triggers congestion or swollen nasal passages, you might experience a sharp pressure in your upper jaw on one side.
It might also be due to other conditions, like an ear infection or a migraine. If your dentist finds that they aren’t the best person to diagnose or address your issue, they’ll refer you to your primary care provider or an appropriate specialist, like a nose, throat, and ear doctor.
Your dentist doesn’t want you to be in pain and will do everything they can to relieve your discomfort while treating the underlying problem behind it.
About the Practice
For decades, the 5-star reviewed team at Clear Coast Dental has been helping families near New Bedford build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs at one convenient location, including same-day emergency visits when necessary. Whether you need to have a cavity filled or must undergo an emergency root canal to alleviate your aches, they can provide relief by addressing the underlying cause. If you’re hurting and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (508) 997-1030.
