We’re already experiencing the first cool down of autumn. While we’re all enjoying the respite from the summer heat, cooler weather could mean an increased chance of sensitive teeth. With that in mind, we want to talk about toothaches, and what they could be telling your smile. How do you know when you have a cavity or infection? When should you call your Richardson, TX, dentist for an appointment? In today’s blog, we’re going to find out!
Temporary Aches in Cooler Weather
Now that the weather is gradually beginning to cool off, you may notice that your teeth feel sensitive, especially on chilly days. Cooler weather could absolutely cause a temporary toothache, as could issues like sinus and allergy problems, riding in an airplane, or traveling to an area with a higher elevation. However, these aches will be short lived and pass after a few hours. You should consider seeing your dentist when you have discomfort that lasts for more than a few hours, and persists for over a day.
Sensitive Teeth
Do you notice discomfort when you eat or drink, especially if the item is hot or cold? If you have sensitivity that occurs when you eat or drink, or even while speaking, you should let us know. Cavities take time to form. The outer enamel begins to weaken and erode, known as demineralization. At this stage, teeth could feel sensitive with the discomfort growing worse as the cavity grows in severity. Give us a call so we can examine your smile and look for areas with weakened enamel. With Silver Diamine Fluoride, we can apply a special material that halts decay at this stage, preventing the need for a filling. You can then make better choices for your oral health to prevent decay from forming.
Toothaches
What about more severe discomfort? If you have sharp and painful toothaches that continue after a day or two, then this means you have a cavity. Not only that, but your cavity is likely in a more advanced stage and could turn into an infected or abscessed tooth. Discomfort grows more severe at this stage, and you even risk the loss of your tooth. If you have discomfort, let us know. Treatment with a dental filling could halt the cavity, and instead of metal we opt for a lifelike composite resin, which is shaded to match your tooth. The placement only takes one visit, so you leave with a healthier and more attractive smile.
Cavities
Let’s talk a little about tooth decay. When we eat sugary foods and consume sugary drinks, this leaves behind particles that cling to the teeth. Bacteria will break down these particles, creating plaque buildup and increasing oral acidity. Plaque could also develop due to poor brushing and flossing habits, which leaves particles behind on or between your teeth. The buildup begins to weaken and demineralize your outer enamel. A cavity then forms once the sensitive inner layers of dentin are exposed to bacteria. The decay continues to grow in size and severity unless treated. Which is why recognizing the warning signs, tooth sensitivity and toothaches, is so vital to your oral health. You should also consider seeing us for a checkup and cleaning, as we could identify the problem in the earliest stage, often before you even experience discomfort.
Dental Infections
A cavity will grow until the inner pulp, the bundle of living tissues that keeps your tooth healthy and functional, is exposed to bacteria. Now, the tooth is infected. The discomfort increases, and could be accompanied by swelling and a discharge for the tooth. Without treatment, the tooth could become lost, or require extraction to prevent the spread of infection. A root canal procedure allows us to carefully and comfortably remove infected tissues, and cap the tooth with a custom-made crown. You can smile with confidence, and enjoy a smile free of worsening discomfort.
Bruxism
Pain in your tooth isn’t just linked to issues like tooth decay or dental infection. If you grind or clench your teeth on a nightly basis, known as bruxism this could place enormous pressure on the teeth. They become worn down, appearing shorter than usual, and could even develop cracks or chips. The damage exposes the inner dentin, causing cavities and infection to develop. The teeth could also feel sensitive and ache. Bruxism could be caused by stress, injury to the face or jaw, misalignment, tooth loss, and untreated TMJ disorder. Symptoms aside from tooth pain include headaches, migraines, jaw pain, and facial aches. If you experience this discomfort, or if a significant other lets you know that you grind your teeth, then let us know right away. Treatment is simple, with our team creating a custom-made oral appliance. The device is worn as you sleep and places a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, while also repositioning your jaw. You enjoy relief and a respite from further damage. Dental bonding could often repair the damage that has occurred in only one visit!
If you have any questions about how to recognize or prevent an issue like tooth decay, or if you have pain in your smile that needs attention, then please contact our team today. We would love to schedule a consultation to examine your smile and find out if you need care. A routine checkup and cleaning is also beneficial for you and your entire family, so we can keep a close eye on your oral health. You should consider seeing us every six months, and if you haven’t scheduled your final checkup of 2021, consider doing so today!
Your Richardson, TX, Dentist Offers Care For Toothaches
We don’t want discomfort to grow more severe, we want to offer lifelike and durable restorations for patients of all ages! For more information on treating the sources of your dental discomfort, then please schedule a consultation by calling the Viva Dental Family Dentistry office nearest you at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson). You don’t have to live with pain in your smile, we can often offer relief in as little as one visit with fillings and dental crowns. Every smile is different, so we laws have a personalized approach!
