Why Does My Tooth Hurt?
Teeth commonly endure physical trauma because of diet or accidental injury. Adequate oral hygiene, regular teeth cleanings, and restorations help to maintain the healthiest smile possible despite natural breakdown over time. Without professional support, our smiles are susceptible to oral complications that may quickly progress to affect other areas of the body.
One of the earliest signs of a dental issue is a toothache, an uncomfortable, localized sensation that does not go away. Call your doctor immediately if you or a loved one is experiencing a painful tooth to schedule a comprehensive examination.
Possible Causes of a Toothache
- Infection of oral structures, commonly involving the teeth and gums, can eventually spread to our bone and cause sharp pain.
- Gum disease causes inflammation around the tooth and may affect the root, eventually damaging the connective structures.
- Teeth sensitivity varies among patients and usually is manageable with ADA-approved products that reduce over stimulation.
- Misaligned teeth may cause shifting and eventually uncomfortable malocclusion as they collide.
- Tooth eruption occurs slowly and can irritate gums.
Certified professionals train for years on how to verify the official cause of a toothache during your visit. Early diagnosis of an issue supports more effective treatment and less-invasive procedures to achieve a healthier smile. Delaying dental care may severely damage your oral health over time.
Managing Pain Until My Appointment
A toothache strikes suddenly without warning in most cases. There is not much else we can do to prepare for this uncomfortable experience but encourage good oral hygiene and educate our patients on how to treat their problem.
The most crucial action to do when feeling a toothache for the first time is to notify your general dentist and schedule the next available appointment. However, until the meeting, there are several tactics available to manage the pain until then.
Most dentists approve of a saltwater rinse during a toothache to rinse out any blood and harmful bacteria that might have entered the mouth during injury. Cold compression is hugely beneficial because it slows bleeding and causes a numbing effect on the area until addressed by the dentist. Finally, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers can be used in combination with the previous two methods. Don’t Delay on Seeing a Specialist
Toothaches are often recurring and indicative of broader issues. Set up your dental appointment as soon as you feel pain in any part of your smile. Even the most minimal toothache should never be ignore