Throbbing pain in a tooth shows that you might have tooth damage. Tooth decay or a cavity can also cause a toothache. A tooth infection can also result in throbbing tooth pain. Toothaches are usually caused by an infection or inflammation in the tooth. The soft pink pulp inside your tooth helps to keep it healthy and alive. Tooth pulp contains tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. A cavity or crack in the tooth allows air and germs to enter inside the tooth. This can infect the sensitive pulp nerves, resulting in tooth pain.
Causes of Throbbing Tooth Pain
Tooth decay
Tooth pain is most commonly caused by tooth decay. It can happen when bacteria damage the hard enamel outer layer of a tooth. It is very normal to have bacteria in the mouth. However, an excess amount of sugar can result in excessive bad bacteria.
Bacteria form a plaque that sticks to your teeth. Some kinds of bacteria release acid leading to cavities or holes. If you see white, brown, or black spots on your teeth, this is an indication of tooth decay.
Tooth fracture
A tooth fracture can be described as a crack or split in the tooth. Biting on something hard can cause a tooth fracture. Falling or getting a hit in the face or jaw can also cause a tooth fracture. Throbbing pain can be a result of tooth fracture. A fracture can cause things such as air, water, bacteria or food particles to enter the tooth infecting the pulp and nerves.
Damaged filling
A normal biting and chewing or biting on something hard can damage the filling. You can also damage a filling by grinding your teeth. Due to this, a filling may:
- chip
- crumble
- crack
- wear away
- pop-out
If you have any questions, please feel free to call Brookshire Smile Dental at 281-934-1010.