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It’s amazing how something so small can cause so much pain, but as anyone who’s ever had a toothache can attest, tooth pain is the worst!
Dental pain can run the gambit – from mild discomfort to excruciating pain.
What Causes Toothache?
The most common causes of toothaches are:
· Dental decay
· Tooth fracture
· Tooth infection and abscess
· Gum disease and infection
· A damaged filling
· An ill-fitting crown
· Grinding your teeth
Sometimes, you can experience sensitivity to sweet foods or those that are hot or cold. Sweet sensitivity is often a sign of decay, while temperature sensitivity can be due to:
· Root exposure (gum recession)
· Cracked tooth syndrome
· Bruxism (clenching and grinding your teeth)
· Inflamed or infected pulp (the nerve of the tooth)
When Should You See a Dentist?
Any time you experience dental sensitivity or pain, you should see your dentist. Basically, you shouldn’t be aware of your teeth. If you are, that’s an indicator that something needs attention.
For example, if you have temperature sensitivity, your dentist can help by:
· Applying a desensitizing varnish to your root surfaces
· Diagnosing TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder, of which bruxism is a symptom) and supplying you with a custom nightguard
· Performing a root canal
· Repairing a filling
· Preparing a cracked tooth for a crown
Other signs you need to see your dentist are as follows:
· Bleeding gums
· Chronic bad breath
· Jaw/face swelling
· Earache and jaw pain
· Chronic headaches
Your dentist’s goal is not to just get you out of pain. They also want to catch issues as soon as possible. If they can catch problems early, they can save you a lot of time, money, and pain. So, if you’re experiencing any type of tooth sensitivity, don’t hesitate to contact your Apex Dental team.
Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risk of Toothache
Is a toothache inevitable? Not necessarily, as long as you take some preventative action.
Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and make sure to use the proper techniques. Dr. Sontakke will be happy to walk you through the steps.
Also, don’t forget to schedule regular visits with your dentist. Doing so will allow them to catch things early – and better yet, help you prevent dental issues.
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