Having a toothache isn't fun for anyone, and it's easy for your mind to go to the worst possibility: a brewing, nasty cavity in your tooth. However, you'll probably be glad to know that cavities certainly aren't the only cause of toothaches. If you're in pain and aren't sure why, here are three other reasons why your tooth might be giving your a problem.

Nerve Damage

Nerves are very sensitive things by nature. They send signals from their location to your brain, which allows you to feel what's going on, and this includes pain. However, these brilliant little communicators can backfire. If one gets damaged, it typically results in pain.

Nerves can be damaged in a wide variety of ways. A trauma to your tooth, like a sudden strike or blow, can do the trick. Various oral health problems, like gum disease, can potentially cause it too. However, there are many conditions that can damage nerves in your body that don't have much to do with your oral health. For example, many diabetics experience nerve damage that results in pain and numbness in various parts of their body.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common culprit behind toothaches. You might not experience any noticeable discomfort in your gums themselves, but the disease can potentially affect the nerves in your teeth. In addition, gum disease can cause inflammation and swelling to build up at the tooth's root, which can make the whole tooth hurt. Since gum disease often doesn't show any major symptoms until it becomes severe, it can go unnoticed and untreated. If you haven't seen a family dentist in a while or you have a history of gum disease, it's a good idea to see if it's the culprit behind your tooth pain.

Enamel Wear and Tear

Lastly, wear and tear on your tooth's enamel can cause a toothache. Enamel helps to protect the interior of the tooth not only from damage, but from overly strong sensations. When this enamel breaks down, it allows the pulp and dentin - which have a higher concentration of nerves - to touch your food and drink, which can result in very unpleasant sensations and pain. While enamel damage can eventually turn into a cavity, it doesn't happen to everyone, and it can take a long time. However, a toothache may be the first sign that your tooth's health is taking a turn for the worse, so it's not a good idea to ignore it.

Toothaches are a major problem for many people, and it's easy to feel like you should skip the dentist's office because you're afraid of being diagnosed with a cavity. Sadly, this is counterintuitive. Cavity or not, the sooner you get to the dentist's office, the better your chances are of not having any serious and permanent damage to your tooth. If you're ever in discomfort or pain, contact a dentist right away to get help.