Do you notice persistent pain in and around your tooth? What does a toothache mean? Well, pain in your tooth could point to oral health issues that require treatment. In today’s blog, we’re talking about when our Richardson, TX, patients should talk to us about treatment and how to avoid toothaches in the future.
Common Causes of Aches
First, not every ache is a sign of trouble. For example, sinus issues, changes in air pressure, and cold weather could cause temporary aches and sensitivity. However, these will be short lived and pass after a few hours. If you have pain or sensitivity in your teeth that have lasted more then 48 hours, then this could mean a problem that requires your Dallas dentist’s attention.
Tooth Decay and Teeth Grinding
A cavity forms when harmful bacteria is able to bypass the outer tooth enamel and reach the inner layers of dentin, which are much more sensitive. Poor oral hygiene or injury could enable bacteria to reach the dentin. Patients then begin to experience toothaches. Likewise, persistent teeth grinding, known as bruxism, places enormous pressure on the teeth. Eventually, enamel could be worn away and the teeth could crack or chip. Bacteria then reach the dentin, and the patient experiences pain. Don’t ignore the discomfort and allow infections or abscess to form and threaten your smile’s stability. Talk to us at the first sign of discomfort!
Treating Your Discomfort
How do we stop a toothache? Well, we may stop the progression of a cavity using silver diamine fluoride, which halts decay and prevents further destruction of the tooth. We may also place a natural looking dental filling, which contains no metal and blends with the smile. For serious damage, we could also create a custom-made porcelain dental crown. To stop teeth grinding, we may suggest an oral appliance, which adjusts the jaw and prevents further damage by placing a barrier between your lower and upper sets of teeth.
We will then suggest a new routine to help avoid cavities and toothaches. For example, brushing and flossing daily helps limit plaque buildup, and a routine six-month cleaning helps remove plaque completely. If you attend regular visits, we also have the opportunity to carefully examine your smile, identifying problem areas early, often before you even experience discomfort. Routine homecare and regular office visits combined help ensure a healthy smile, one free of discomfort! If you have any questions, or if you’re ready to schedule a visit, then please contact our team today.
Does Your Tooth Hurt?
An aching tooth may mean your smile needs treatment. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling the Viva Dental Family Dentistry office nearest you at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
