Toothache is a common condition. It affects an estimated fifty million Americans. Tooth decay is the most common cause of toothaches. Toothache can be mild to severe and is a symptom of gum disease or periodontal disease. Toothache occurs when the tooth or nearby teeth hurt, are sensitive, hot or tender.
Toothache caused by tooth decay is also common. Tooth decay is a result of bacteria that grows in the acidic environment of the mouth. The tooth’s pulp is made up of sensitive nerve endings, which are highly sensitive to pain. As the condition of infection increases, the symptoms associated with it also become more painful.
Periodontal disease occurs when the tissues of the gums and bone surrounding the tooth decay become inflamed. The inflammation can be so severe that the toothache occurs. As the infection increases, the toothache can radiate to the jaw, cheek, or even the shoulder. Tooth decay is the number one dental problem that can lead to toothache.
There are many different types of toothaches. The most common is the basic toothache caused by bacterial plaque. This plaque deposits around the teeth, making them feel stiff. Bacterial plaque is also harmful because it produces toxins that irritate the mucous membrane of your mouth. The irritation of your mouth with tooth decay can result in a serious toothache. Toothaches from this type are often referred to as “fever” toothaches because they often have a fever-like quality to them.
Toothaches from inflammation can be hard to diagnose. If the affected area does not receive proper dental attention, then the pain may go away for a while but will return again. The affected area could be infected with bacteria, which makes the pain even worse. A toothache caused by inflammation can also be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a brain abscess.
Toothaches caused by fever can also be very serious. These can cause vomiting, severe general pain and tenderness of the affected tooth. People with fever often experience further complications after the initial illness, such as diarrhea or malnutrition. Toothache caused by fever can be difficult to pinpoint because of other symptoms like dizziness, weakness, lethargy, and even apathy. If you experience any combination of these symptoms, and a toothache follows them, seek immediate professional care from your dentist. Toothache symptoms can range from mild to moderate to severe, and you should never try to self diagnose a toothache.
Toothache that has been caused by other dental problems can be treated using the same procedure as with a toothache caused by bacteria. A dentist may need to examine your teeth in order to make sure there are no other dental problems present. Fluoride toothpaste is effective against bacterial toothaches because it helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth. A weak enamel can be damaged by acids produced by bacteria, which cause decay, discoloration and cavities.
Root canal treatment is used only in serious cases. A root canal can alleviate a toothache, but it is not recommended for the everyday healthy teeth. A dentist removes a portion of your tooth’s pulp and the nerve is actually disconnected from the pulp, so there is no way that the tooth can be treated effectively without the use of this toothache remedy. You can avoid future toothaches by brushing twice a day, flossing and using fluoride toothpaste. Your dentist may recommend this treatment when other remedies have failed.
When your teeth are infected, they will continue to grow in a matter of weeks. If they grow beyond an eight-inch cavity size, they may need to be extracted by a dentist. Root canal treatment is typically performed only on severely infected teeth. This treatment is extremely effective in treating all forms of toothaches and it is used to prevent further tooth decay and infections.
Toothaches can also occur after a serious accident or procedure. The tooth of a patient may have been crushed during an automobile accident. In this case, a dentist may recommend decontaminating your tooth or have it cleaned immediately. If there was severe pain associated with the toothache, the dentist may recommend an x-ray. X-rays will determine if the tooth needs to be pulled or saved.
There are many things that a dentist can do, when it comes to caring for a toothache. You should always consult your dentist before using over-the-counter medications. There may be other options that will work better for you. Do not take medications without first consulting a doctor. Many medications are not right for every person; therefore, you should never assume that they are.