Few things cause as much misery as a toothache. As tempting as taking two aspirin and hoping the ache goes away might be, that would be a mistake. Toothaches frequently indicate that there is something seriously wrong with your oral health, and they rarely dissipate until you’ve been to the dentist. Your Dallas dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, discusses some of the more common causes of dental pain and what you should do if you develop a toothache.
Cavities
One of the most common causes of toothache is a cavity, which forms when bacteria on the teeth secrete an acidic-byproduct that destroys tooth enamel. Brushing at least twice daily and flossing at least once daily will remove the bacteria and acid before they damage the teeth, but without proper oral hygiene, small holes or pits will eventually form in the enamel. Deeper cavities that permanently damage tooth enamel will require a dentist’s intervention. If a cavity is ignored, not only will pain continue, but eventually, the tooth might become so damaged that extraction is the only solution.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is another frequent cause of toothaches. The gums can become inflamed, which can sometimes result in pain in the teeth around the inflammation. In more serious cases, gums recess to expose part of the root of the tooth. Because a tooth root is not covered in enamel but only by dentin, which is much more porous than enamel, the tooth becomes far more sensitive to heat and cold, leading to constant pain.
Other Causes
There are a number of other causes for dental pain. An injury to the face or mouth could lead to a cracked or broken tooth. The grinding motion of bruxism can frequently lead to toothaches. Sometimes, a sinus infection will manifest itself as dental pain, and tension headaches have also been known to cause teeth to ache. A rare, but extremely serious, cause of toothache is angina. For reasons that are poorly understood, this serious heart condition sometimes reveals itself only via a toothache.
See Your Dallas Dentist If You Have Dental Pain
Any toothache with an unknown source should be considered a dental emergency. If you are experiencing a toothache, make an appointment with either our West Dallas dentist office, near Cockrell Hill, Irving, and Grand Prairie, at (214) 337-7800, or our Richardson dentist office, near Garland, Plano, and North Dallas, at (972)437-6000. We are proud to serve patients in the 75211 and 75080 zip codes, and surrounding neighborhoods.
