Toothache is an extremely common issue that affects both children and adults all over the world. It is important to understand that tooth pain usually doesn't occur on its own. If you want to get rid of a toothache, you need to define its underlying cause. In this article, we have gathered seven common oral issues that can make your teeth hurt.

1. Tooth decay
Tooth decay, also known as caries or cavities, is deemed one of the most common health issues. It occurs when acids (that are produced by the bacteria that inhabit your mouth) destroy tooth enamel and make a hole in the tooth. In the primary stages, tooth decay can develop without any significant symptoms. That's why many people don't rush to the dentist until a cavity causes significant damage. If left untreated, tooth decay can destroy the whole tooth.

2. Enamel wear
Even though tooth enamel is proclaimed one of the hardest tissues in the human body, it can disappear under certain circumstances. In most cases, enamel wear occurs due to aging. However, teeth grinding, poor oral hygiene, aggressive tooth brushing, and increased consumption of acidic foods and drinks can also make your tooth enamel thin. Enamel wear can manifest through a toothache, increased tooth sensitivity, yellowish teeth, and chipped tooth enamel.

3. Gum recession
Gum recession is a condition that occurs when gums shrink and detach from the teeth. As a result, the sensitive roots of the teeth become exposed to foods, drinks, and other irritants. This can lead to toothache and tooth sensitivity. Gums can start to recede because of gum disease, poor oral hygiene, aggressive tooth brushing, smoking, and hormonal changes. If left untreated, gum recession can make your teeth lose their support and even fall out.

4. Dental abscess
A dental abscess is an extremely serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications. This condition develops when the infection penetrates the truth and leads to the development of pus in the tooth or underneath it. The most common symptoms of a dental abscess include toothache, gum and cheek swelling, increased sensitivity, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. If you have noticed at least some of these symptoms, make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.

5. Gum disease
Gum disease is a condition that occurs when the bacteria in your mouth thrive and lead to the development of it  in gums. In the initial stages, gum disease can cause bad breath, gum bleeding, and mild tooth sensitivity. Without timely and efficient treatment, gum disease can progress and lead to gum recession, toothache, pus between the teeth, loose teeth, and tooth loss. 

6. Tooth fracture or broken tooth
If you have a tooth fracture, you may not notice it until the damaged tooth becomes achy. The fracture can be vertical or horizontal. A broken tooth can cause severe toothache especially if the damage is significant. If you have chipped only a small part of the tooth, you may experience tooth sensitivity. In any case, you should contact your dentist and restore the tooth since it can become more likely to develop tooth decay.

7. Loose or missing tooth filling
If you have loose or missing tooth filling, the inner sensitive layers of the tooth can become exposed to temperature changes, resulting in a toothache. Moreover, food particles and bacteria can accumulate in a cavity and contribute to the development of tooth decay. That's why it is essential to undergo regular dental check-ups and replace damaged filling in time.