Toothaches are a typical dental issue that could have several causes. The most common reason for a toothache is tooth decay, or cavities. When tartar and plaque develop on the surface of the teeth, bacteria begin to grow and feed on the food debris, sugars, and starches that you consume. This creates a harmful acid that will destroy the surface of your teeth, causing them to weaken. Eventually, a cavity forms. Food particles can get stuck in the hole, and as the decay reaches the center layer of the tooth, it can result in serious pain, especially when you eat or drink or expose your teeth to very hot or cold temperatures.
What will the dentist do when my tooth hurts?
Before starting any treatment, your dentist will first check to find the reason for your toothache. A toothache can have several different causes, including:
- Tooth decay
- Pulpitis (inflamed tooth pulp)
- Abscess
- A tooth that has split or broken
- Impacted tooth
- Gum disease
If your teeth hurt when exposed to temperature extremes, you may be experiencing sensitive teeth. Your dentist may recommend a prescription or suggest an over-the-counter toothpaste that will help with this issue. There may be different treatments that can help with this, and your dentist will need to perform a full examination to determine the best course of action.
Sometimes, your toothache may not be caused by a dental issue. Sinus congestion and sinus pain may likely cause your teeth to become more sensitive and hurt. If your dentist is unable to find a dental cause for your pain, he will ask about any sinus symptoms you may have and after that, devise a treatment plan focused on your specific issue. In situations where the pain is created by a non-dental issue, your dentist may recommend an antibiotic or recommend that you visit your general care doctor.
My tooth hurts badly, and my dentist isn’t in. What can I do?
If you are experiencing horrible dental pain, or have facial swelling, it would be best to visit your local emergency room. However, you will still need to visit your dentist’s office as soon as possible, so the root cause of your toothache can be found and treated properly. Leaving the issue untreated may bring cause additional dental issues, or allow the existing infection to spread into your gums and bone.
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