Common Causes of Tooth Pain
If you have ever felt the misery of tooth pain, you know how rotten it can make you feel. When it comes to toothaches, our St. Petersburg patients know that they can rely on us to relieve their tooth pain. The first step to getting you out of pain is finding out what the cause of your tooth pain is. Do you know what some of the most common causes of tooth pain are? Read below to learn more.
Decay of One or More Teeth
Cavities are perhaps the most common cause of tooth pain. Tooth decay happens as a result of the bacteria in the mouth eroding the tooth enamel. If the decay is not addressed in its early stages, it can eventually expose the nerves inside of the tooth.
Tooth decay is quite preventable, with good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and using quality mouthwash can help to keep the bacteria in your mouth under control. If you do have tooth decay, you’ll appreciate how Dr. Leeson, the best dentist in St. Petersburg FL, treats the decay and restores your smile.
Periodontal, or Gum, Disease
Gum disease is a common concern faced by men and women of all ages. It becomes a reality when the bacteria in the mouth forms tartar on the teeth, at or below the gum line. The bacteria can lead to pockets of inflammation that can quickly cause a tooth abscess. Most patients have no idea they have gum disease. That’s why our friends at Digi-Doc recommend that all dental offices have intraoral cameras or high-quality dental x-ray systems. If you are experiencing pain from gum disease, then it is time for you to schedule your deep dental cleaning. A professional dental cleaning at 4th Street Family Dentistry will help to clean and clear up the infection and inflammation.
A Direct Tooth Injury
When you experience a tooth injury, the tooth can become chipped, cracked or completely broken. Even if you don’t immediately feel pain in that tooth, you should consider it an emergency. Only a professional will know the extent of the damage. So, if you have a broken or chipped tooth, contact the best emergency dentist St Petersburg, Dr. Leeson. X-rays and an examination can be done and the tooth will be repaired if needed. Failing to address a broken tooth can lead to decay, resulting in the need for root canal therapy. It can also ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Impacted Teeth
Teeth that never fully erupted can become infected. This is quite commonly seen with wisdom teeth, which is why during a visit to our dental office in St Petersburg, FL, the dentist may recommend extracting the wisdom teeth sooner than later. The impacted tooth may simply exist for years, without causing any issues at all. Or it may become infected, and start to cause you significant pain. It’s often not worth taking the time to address the infection in wisdom teeth, but the recommended plan of treatment is to extract the impacted tooth/teeth.
Referred Pain From Sinusitis
If you have a sinus infection or sinusitis, you may have a fungal, viral, or bacterial infection that is causing inflammation and pain. The roots of the teeth on your upper jaw are close in proximity to your sinuses. This can lead to referred pain in your upper teeth. If x-rays and an examination don’t reveal a cause for your toothache, you may be referred to your primary care physician for further testing. It could just be that you need a round of antibiotics and steroids to resolve your sinusitis.
Resolving Tooth Pain
The best way to resolve the pain that you are feeling is to visit your St. Petersburg dentist. If x-rays and an examination of your mouth determine that decay is responsible for the pain, the answer may be a filling, root canal, or potentially a tooth extraction.
If, on the other hand, gum disease is responsible for the toothache, it may be that a root planing and scaling are necessary. You may also need antibiotics to control the bacteria in your mouth.
If the tooth is broken, chipped, or cracked, a filling may not be sufficient to restore stability and functionality to the tooth. A dental crown may be the better option to stabilize and protect the remaining natural tooth.
Preventing Tooth Pain
While there are some very effective ways of treating tooth pain, the best cure is truly prevention, says Dr. O’Grady, an emergency dentist in Denver Highlands. Some types of toothache can’t necessarily be prevented, but gum disease and decay can be prevented simply by practicing good oral hygiene routines at home. Visiting our office for a dental cleaning and routine examination every six months can also help to prevent dental problems.
Don’t ignore tooth pain. If you’re wondering, “Can a dentist near me help with my toothache?” You’ll be happy to learn that we offer comprehensive dental solutions to get you out of pain and get you smiling once again.
