What Is A Toothache?
A toothache is a pain that originates in the tooth, and it can be described as a throbbing, stabbing, or dull ache. Most often it’s an indication of some kind of infection inside the tooth. If you are experiencing toothaches, toothaches dental emergency will be the right option for you.
What Are The Causes Of Toothaches?
Toothaches are most often caused by cavities or dental trauma (e.g., chipped teeth). Less frequently, they may be due to TMJ disorders (jaw misalignment), sinus infections, or the presence of inflammation in the jaw joint.
Causes of Toothaches
1) A Deep Cavity (Decay) Causes An Infected Nerve – This is the most common reason for a toothache. When bacteria, fungi, and mold invades a tooth and damage the surrounding tissues, there is an immediate pain response from nerves in the cheek. The nerve sends impulses along its length to the brain where they are perceived as pain. Even if there’s no infection inside the tooth, it may still be necessary to repair or remove it to prevent further decay. Tooth pain emergency care in Carstairs can help you with cavities.
2) A Tooth Abscess (Dental Abscess) – A dental abscess occurs when an infection in a tooth or the gums spreads into surrounding tissues. It is usually the result of a deep cavity, but it can also result from periodontal disease. Abscesses form when a collection of pus forms in the pulp chamber or in a periodontal pocket. A dental abscess may cause swelling of the face and neck, fever, and chills.
3) Gum Disease Causing A Gum Infection Or Gum Abscess – Gum disease or periodontitis is a disease that destroys gum tissue. Gum disease may result from repeated trauma to the teeth and gums, or it may be present from birth. An abscess can form in the gum tissue if there is an infection in the tooth or mouth. In such cases, emergency tooth pain relief from a dental office in Carstairs might be the right option.
4) Food Lodged In The Gums – The most common culprit is candy, specifically candy canes and hard candies. Other less common culprits include peanuts and hot dogs.
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5) A Fractured Tooth (Broken Tooth) – This may be caused by trauma to the mouth or by biting down on something too hard.
6) Loose Or Damaged Fillings – A loose filling may become dislodged and irritate the nerve.
7) Tooth Grinding (Bruxism) – This is a common cause of tooth pain, especially in children. At night, toddlers often sleep with their mouths open and grind their teeth. For adults, this kind of grinding may reflect a dental problem – either cracked or loose teeth. Dental emergency care in Carstairs can help you with tooth grinding.
8) Traumatic Injury Or Sports Injury – A tooth may be broken from impact to the mouth.
Toothache Signs and Symptoms
- Severe pain that spreads to your jaw, ear, or cheek
- Pain while chewing
- Swelling around your tooth, gums, or jaw
- Severe pain with eating hot or cold
- Bleeding or pus around your teeth or gums
- Traumatic injury
- Loose, painful tooth
- Severe pain opening or closing your mouth
- TMJ (temporomandibular) pain
- Fractured or broken tooth causing pain
- A loose or damaged filling
- Pain due to tooth grinding (bruxism)
- Loose or missing crown or bridge
- A broken or fractured denture or partial broken denture
- Missing tooth or teeth
When Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?
A toothache that is severe and/or accompanied by fever, chills, swelling, or pus formation is considered a dental emergency. It’s a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Benefits of Immediate Emergency Care for Toothaches
- In most cases, a dentist can determine the cause of your toothache and treat it appropriately.
- Your dentist may be able to save your tooth with a root canal or extraction.
- Although the treatment options for a dental emergency are extensive, there are no guarantees. However, with prompt treatment early on, you can get your tooth back in good shape quickly and minimize any future problems.
If you have pain in or around one or more of your teeth, contact your dentist as soon as possible to discuss how they can be removed and replaced. This will help prevent permanent damage to the remaining teeth.
How Can Toothaches Be Prevented?
- Brush Regularly With Fluoride Toothpaste – It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss At Least Once A Day – It’s important to floss at least once a day to prevent gum disease. Pay attention to the backs of your teeth, as well as your gums, for signs of gum disease.
- Visit The Dentist Every Six Months – It’s important that you make an appointment with your dentist at least once every six months. If you have been missing appointments, this is the perfect time to make up for lost time!
Choose Carstairs Dental for all dental emergencies and urgent dental care in Carstairs, AB. Call us to schedule your appointment today.
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