Tooth pain and toothaches are a common problem in the United States. More than 2 million Americans went to the emergency room for dental pain in 2010, demonstrating how severe toothaches can become. Most toothaches are a sign of an underlying problem, like tooth decay or an infection. Acute tooth pain can require emergency dental services because infections can be fatal when delayed treatment.
Tooth decay is the most common dental problem in the country, while periodontal diseases affect 30% of adults annually. When tooth decay and gum disease are left untreated, both can cause toothaches and subsequent health issues. Toothache relief requires fixing the cause of the pain, which is the only way to prevent additional problems.
Tooth decay causes cavities to develop inside your tooth, creating a tunnel for bacteria to enter your pulp. Tooth decay can also cause:
While tooth decay can pose serious health threats, it is highly preventable by practicing proper oral hygiene and regularly seeing your dentist. Tooth decay will also continue to get worse until you receive proper treatment. When you have a cavity, the dentist will remove the existing decay and fill your tooth to protect the tooth against further damage.
If you experience a toothache, it can indicate that you have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, tooth decay can lead to overbites, misalignment, and gingivitis, leading to toothaches and dental pain. Other times, impact injuries can cause a toothache, especially if you chipped or damaged one or more teeth.
Besides tooth decay, conditions like overbites and misalignment can also cause toothaches. If your teeth are not aligned properly, it can cause pressure and pain in your mouth and jaw.
If you suffer from mouth or tooth pain, toothache relief can be hard to come by unless you see your dentist. While acute pain can be alleviated with pain medications, toothache relief is based on treating the cause of your toothache. Toothache relief typically includes addressing neglected tooth decay.
Since tooth decay can cause cavities and infections, it can result in toothaches and pain. When we remove existing decay, it can provide immediate and long-lasting toothache relief. Another way to find permanent toothache relief is to maintain proper oral hygiene habits. Making sure you floss and brush daily prevents bacteria and food particles from accumulating. If bacteria can enter your tooth pulp or gum lines, it can cause severe pain.
Toothache relief may also include changing your diet. If you have severe tooth decay, limiting your sugar consumption can help improve your oral health. Since bacteria use sugar as a food source, sugary diets can lead to decay and plaque accumulation. Drinking a lot of coffee or tea can also break down your enamel and increase your risk of having dental problems.
Toothache relief also requires that you see your dentist at least once a year. Conditions like tooth decay are typically discovered during annual exams, which means you can address it before it causes a toothache or discomfort.
Proper oral hygiene practices are the best way to protect yourself against cavities, infections, and gum disease. If you have untreated dental problems, you can experience painful toothaches. Toothache relief starts with a call to your dentist. To find out more about our premier dental services or schedule an appointment today, call Lovett Dental at 832-804-7427.
Lovett, Splendid & Haven Dentistry
Dental Offices in TX