TOOTHACHE: HERE IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

A toothache is a pain that occurs in or around a tooth. This pain is caused when cavities or tooth decay develops, causing inflammation, infection, and damage to a tooth’s pulp. While there are a variety of causes, the most common are bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup.

Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars, creating acid that erodes the tooth enamel. Over time, the enamel is worn away, forming a hole or cavity. With cavities and tooth decay, bacteria in the mouth eat away at the tooth until, eventually, it develops an infection. An infection in the tooth can be very painful and cause swelling in the gums. Without treatment, the infection may spread to the gums and jawbone, at which point oral surgery may be needed.

What Are The Causes of Toothache?

Toothache can be caused due to dental cavities, gum diseases, cracked or chipped teeth, abscesses, impacted wisdom teeth, teeth grinding, or injury to the tooth.

Symptoms of Toothache

Common symptoms of toothache include sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet foods or drinks. You may also experience pain while biting down or chewing food. Pain may worsen when you drink something hot or when you consume cold foods like ice cream. Other symptoms of toothache include fever, headache, foul taste in the mouth, swelling in the mouth, bad breath, etc. 

Treatments For Toothache

The treatment of your toothache will vary depending on the cause of your discomfort. If your discomfort is mild, you can typically treat it with over-the-counter pain relievers and rinsing with salt water. For toothaches resulting from tooth decay, your dentist will likely recommend a filling. A root canal may be needed if the decay has progressed to infect the tooth pulp. For toothache due to teeth grinding or bruxism, your dentist may ask you to wear a mouth guard. If your discomfort is the result of a more severe issue, such as a fractured tooth, your dentist will be able to provide you with a customized treatment to address the problem.

Toothache Prevention

Toothache prevention is always better than a cure. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings can help keep decay and gum disease under control, but the most important thing is to follow good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss your teeth once. Also, rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing and flossing. 

Ken Caryl Dentistry offers the best dental services to maintain your healthy smile. For more details, call Dentist in Littleton at (303) 973-5280 or visit The Courtyards at Deer Creek 7631 Shaffer Pkwy Suite B, Littleton, CO 80127.