Is it Possible to Have a Toothache Without a Cavity?

No matter how committed you are to brushing your teeth regularly, at some point in time you will experience a toothache. Usually, you can blame the pain on a cavity — but sometimes that’s not always the case.

Here are some possible causes of a toothache that are NOT associated with a cavity.

Tooth Sensitivity

TIf you are experiencing sharp pains when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, it could mean you have a cavity. It may also be a sign that you may have sensitive teeth, either from receding gums or from a thinning of your tooth enamel.

We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to help ease the symptoms of tooth sensitivity.

A Cracked Tooth

If the pain you are experiencing is a sharp, stabbing pain when you bite down on your food, your tooth could be a cracked/broken. If it’s a throbbing, incessant pain, on the other hand, you may have an abscessed tooth or an infection that should be taken care of as quickly as possible.

Your Sinuses

One less common, but significant cause of tooth pain is a sinus infection. If only your upper teeth on both sides of your face are in pain, sinusitis could be the culprit. This sort of toothache is usually accompanied or preceded by nasal congestion and tenderness around your sinuses.

See Cute Smile Dental to Be Sure

Toothaches are not always severe. Intermittent pain may seem like just an inconvenience and not worth an immediate call to our office, but waiting until the pain becomes worse is rarely the best option. Whatever the type and severity of your tooth pain, it is best to call Cute Smile Dental and make an appointment. The causes of toothaches are not always clear, and a conclusive diagnosis as to the source of the pain and subsequent professional treatment is always the best course of action.