Toothaches

A toothache is a pain in or around your tooth, and it occurs when the soft tissue inside the mouth becomes irritated or inflamed. A cavity or a crack in a tooth often causes toothaches. A toothache may make it difficult to eat or sleep. The toothache may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, or ear pain.

Causes of Toothaches

Toothaches can be caused by a variety of things. Tooth sensitivity, tooth fractures, abscesses, and gum disease can all cause toothaches. However, the most common cause of toothaches is cavities. Cavities occur when plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth. The acid from plaque attacks the teeth, creating holes called cavities in the teeth.

In these cases, patients should seek urgent dental care. This is because dental emergencies can be signs of other underlying health conditions, such as heart conditions, diabetes, and infections. Prompt treatment can help patients avoid further complications

Toothache Treatments

Toothaches often occur due to tooth decay or cavities. If tooth decay is the cause, your dentist will likely recommend a dental filling. Dental fillings restore decayed teeth, often after only a one-visit treatment. If your cavity has gone too deep and has infected your root canal, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment. The process involves removing the abscess and infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning it, sealing the tooth, and strengthening the tooth using a dental crown.

Toothache Prevention

The best form of toothache prevention is to adhere to a dental hygiene routine that includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and visiting the dentist for regular checkups.

When you brush twice a day, you remove the build-up of plaque and tartar, which helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. Brushing also removes leftover food particles that bacteria thrive on.

Flossing also gets rid of food and plaque build-up between your teeth. If you floss at least once a day, you reduce the chances of having plaque build-up, which can lead to cavities.

Regular dental checkups also help prevent toothaches as your dentist can check for tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease, all of which cause toothaches.

When To See A Dentist?

If you are suffering from a toothache, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. A toothache is often a sign of a more serious dental problem, such as tooth decay or an infection. A toothache is also a sign of tooth damage.

If you don’t address a toothache, it could lead to even more serious dental problems. It could even cause tooth loss.

A dentist will perform a comprehensive examination to diagnose the cause of your toothache. They will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan, such as tooth fillings, root canal therapy, or dental crowns.

To learn more about the procedures offered at Short & Vlosich Family Dental, call us at (806) 374-8011 or visit our dental office located at 3503 S Soncy Rd, Amarillo, TX 79119.