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Toothache Symptoms & Causes

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Toothache Symptoms & Causes

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Toothache Symptoms & Causes”. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

[1]What Is A Toothache?

A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth. Minor toothaches can come from a temporary gum irritation that you can treat at home. More serious toothaches are caused by dental and mouth problems that won’t get better on their own and will need to be treated by a dentist.

Why Is My Toothache So Painful?

The pulp inside your tooth is soft material filled with nerves, tissues and blood vessels. These pulp nerves are among the most sensitive in your body. When these nerves are irritated or infected by bacteria (abscess), they can cause severe pain.

What Are Symptoms Of Toothache?

Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth (biting down on something).

  • Swelling around the tooth.
  • Fever or headache.
  • Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth.
  • A bad odor from the mouth.

If you experience trouble breathing and swallowing along with your pain, call a dental professional right away.

[2]Could It Be A Damaged Tooth?

Your teeth come under attack every time you eat. Bacteria cling to them until you brush them away. They produce acid, which makes the holes in your enamel called cavities.

Or you could have a crack in a tooth that’s exposed the sensitive inner layers. Maybe you bit down on a cherry pit or were hit in the face during softball.

A cavity or a crack can cause sharp pain and make your mouth sensitive when you bite down. The longer the pain lingers, the more serious the damage is likely to be.

If it’s deep enough, a cavity or crack can let bacteria into the inner layer, called pulp, of your tooth. The pulp can become infected, and that can lead to a buildup of pus called an abscess. The infection can spread to tissue and bone, too.

Do You Grind Your Teeth?

This is a common problem brought on by stress, sleep disorders, or a bite issue. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, it can wear away your enamel and even cause a crack.

Could It Be Your Wisdom Teeth?

Teething hurts whether you’re a baby or an adult. You’re likely to feel it when your wisdom teeth start to push through your gums. Food can get stuck under the gum and cause decay and infection.

[3]Toothache: Symptoms & Signs

The symptoms of toothache include sharp pain or dull pain in or around a tooth. The most common cause of a toothache is a dental cavity as a result of tooth decay. Dental cavities and toothache can be prevented by proper oral hygiene. Another common cause of toothache is gum disease. Toothache can also be a result of an injury or an abscess of the tooth. Toothache symptoms can be caused by a problem that does not originate from a tooth or the jaw. Symptoms of a toothache can be mimicked by sinus infection, shingles, and other diseases.

[4]What To Know About Throbbing Tooth Pain?

Throbbing tooth pain usually indicates that there is an injury or infection in the mouth. In most cases, this will be a cavity or an abscess.

A person cannot diagnose the cause of throbbing tooth pain based on their symptoms alone, and it is not always possible to see injuries or abscesses. Therefore, it is important to see a dentist for throbbing tooth pain as soon as possible.

This article discusses the most likely causes of throbbing tooth pain and their treatments.

Causes

There are many possible causes of throbbing tooth pain, and the cause will determine the treatment options.

Dental Appliances

New or recently adjusted dental appliances, especially braces or orthodontic headgear, slowly move the teeth. This movement can cause pain and feelings of pressure. A person may feel throbbing throughout the mouth or in a specific area.

This pain is not dangerous, and it is not typically a sign that something is seriously wrong.

A person can usually manage the pain with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen.

However, if the pain is unbearable or does not improve in a few days, a person should see an orthodontist.

Caries And Cavities

Dental caries refers to decay in the teeth. Significant decay can cause cavities, which are holes or pits in the teeth.

While some very severe cavities may cause visible holes, it is not always possible to see tooth decay. A throbbing tooth may be a sign that decay has damaged the tooth enough to injure the nerve and cause pain.

A dentist can treat caries and cavities, with the extent of the damage determining the precise treatment. Sometimes, a filling will suffice, but for more severe damage, a person may need a root canal, tooth extraction, or other procedure.

Dental Infections

An infection in the tooth or gums can cause throbbing pain, as well as other symptoms, including swelling in the face or mouth.

These infections usually appear when a person does not seek treatment for a severe cavity, but they can also happen following oral surgery or injuries to the mouth. Dental infections may grow or spread, so they require prompt treatment.

In most cases, a person will need antibiotics, as well as treatment for the underlying cause. They might require a root canal, tooth removal, oral surgery, or other treatment.

OTC pain relievers may help while a person awaits care. However, a person should see a dentist as quickly as they can — ideally, within a day or two.

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache ↑
  2. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache ↑
  3. https://www.medicinenet.com/toothache/symptoms.htm ↑
  4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/throbbing-tooth-pain#causes ↑

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Toothache Symptoms & Causes
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Common Dental Filling Materials

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Common Dental Filling Materials

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Common Dental Filling Materials”. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

[1]To treat a cavity your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed.

Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding).

What Steps Are Involved In Filling A Tooth?

First, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to be filled. Next, a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser will be used to remove the decayed area. The choice of instrument depends on the individual dentist’s comfort level, training, and investment in the particular piece of equipment as well as location and extent of the decay.

Next, your dentist will probe or test the area to determine if all the decay has been removed. Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. If the decay is near the root, your dentist may first put in a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve. Generally, after the filling is in, your dentist will finish and polish it.

What Types Of Filling Materials Are Available?

Today, several dental filling materials are available. Teeth can be filled with gold; porcelain; silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper); or tooth-colored, plastic, and materials called composite resin fillings. There is also a material that contains glass particles and is known as glass ionomer. This material is used in ways similar to the use of composite resin fillings.

Choosing The Right Type Of Dental Filling

Despite advances in dental hygiene and dental care, tooth decay remains a problem for many American children and adults. If not treated properly and in a timely manner, tooth decay can lead to more serious dental health problems including abscessed and failing teeth. This is why it is important to visit your dentist on a regular basis (every six months for most children and adults) so he or she can check for signs of tooth decay and other dental health problems.

There are a variety of different types of materials that can be used to fill cavities in the teeth including the following:

  • Gold
  • Silver Amalgam
  • Composite
  • Ceramic
  • Glass Ionomers

Although each of these types of materials can be used to fill cavities in the teeth, some types of fillings are better suited for certain conditions. Your dentist is the best person to help you determine the material that is most suited for your needs, taking into consideration your budget and your current dental health.

When trying to decide which type of filling is best suited for you, you need to factor in the location of the cavity in your mouth, severity of decay, cost, and your insurance coverage. Read on to get more information about each of these materials.

Gold fillings are very strong, non-corrosive and can last up to 15 years, with proper care. However, they are much more expensive than silver amalgam fillings and require more than one dental visit to be fitted correctly.

Silver amalgam fillings are also very strong and sturdy, however, many individuals do not find them to be aesthetically pleasing. In addition, they are more likely to expand and contract and to cause a tooth crack as compared to other types of fillings. In addition, many individuals worry about the long-term safety of silver amalgam fillings since they contain Mercury: a known neurotoxin.

Composite fillings are an attractive option because they can be closely matched to the color of your teeth. However, composite fillings are more expensive than silver amalgam fillings and are not as durable.

Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain and are a very aesthetically pleasing option that is also very durable. However, ceramic fillings cost more than silver amalgam fillings and can wear the opposing teeth if the porcelain becomes rough.

Glass ionomers (acrylic fillings) often last for less than five years but are a good choice for children if their teeth are changing. They can also release Fluoride and this helps to prevent tooth decay.

Again, your dentist is the best person to help you decide which type of material to use for your dental fillings. If you have additional questions about any of these types of fillings, talk to your dentist today.

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-fillings ↑

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How to Avoid Tooth-Related Dental Issues While On Summer Trip

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How to Avoid Tooth-Related Dental Issues
While On Summer Trip

Make Your Vacation More Enjoyable!

Here are some pre-vacation tips to help in making your next vacation as stress-free as possible! And how to avoid tooth-related dental issues while on vacation.

Get a Dental Checkup.

Dental checkups are an ideal way to get all possible dental issues checked out and treated. If it has been quite a long time since you had your last checkup, then book an appointment before your vacation. Our dentists at Apple Tree Dental can take X-rays and review them for any gum-related issues if required. For example, dental decay might appear around dental refurbishments; these are regions that the naked eye cannot detect. Further, a teeth cleaning will also eliminate plaque that is responsible for causing gum infections and cavities.

Maintain Good Dental hygiene.

People who take good care of their dental hygiene are less likely to experience tooth problems. Nevertheless, even with good dental care, a broken tooth can occur during a trip. Therefore, maintaining good dental hygiene is essential.

Get a Dental Cleaning.

Getting teeth cleaning before your trip helps prevent gum infections and teeth cavities, both of which may lead to an unanticipated toothache.

Tips on avoiding dental problems before a summer trip

Visit Your Dentist Before Leaving on Vacation.

When preparing against oral health problems, the first step to consider is to ensure you are on track with your dental visits. Have you been to the dentist in the last six months for a cleaning and dental checkup? At the Apple Tree Dental office, our dental experts will examine your teeth and look for gum diseases, tooth decay, and cavities, as well as other potential issues like loose crowns or filings.

While on Vacation Eat Carefully

Many individuals like to use a trip as a reason to go off their recommended meals and consume sugary snacks. Although desserts are lovely, remember to eat carefully. For instance, while enjoying a treat, make sure to brush your teeth afterward.

Purchase Travel Insurance

For instance, we recommend buying travel insurance coverage that covers dental care if you are traveling abroad. That can protect you against paying vast amounts of money for any potential dental issues you might encounter while on your trip.

Take a List of Emergency Dentists.

Whether you are vacationing in Canada or any other country, it would not take much effort to research dentists where you may be visiting. For best results, search for dentists that specialize in emergency care. Take this list of emergency dentists with you and make sure it has their names, address, and phone numbers.

Pack your Dental Appliances

Don’t use your trip as a reason to avoid using your dental appliances. Your mouthguard, night guard, oral, or retainer appliances are critical to good oral health. If you use any oral device and want to avoid dental issues, carry them everywhere you go on your vacation.

Handling a Dislodged Tooth

One of the bad things you can experience on your vacation is a dislodged tooth. If this happens to you, you might need to call a dentist as soon as you can. If any of your teeth fall out, you should look for it and put it in saliva or a cup of milk.

Dealing with a Broken or Cracked Tooth

If your tooth happens to break or crack on your trip, the first step to take is to call an emergency dentist. Although we suggest you take every chance to avoid dental emergencies while on the trip, some problems are out of your control. A cracked or broken tooth is one issue that will not go away. It is easy for food particles or bacteria to find their way to your broken or cracked tooth. To avoid this, we recommend that you visit an emergency dentist as soon as you can.

Toothache?

While on an airplane, it is normal for air pressure alterations to cause toothaches, especially if you have filings. Fillings tend to expand. However, this pain should disappear a few hours after you reach your destination. If the pain fails to subside, consider taking over-the-counter pain killers to hold you over till you get back home. And if the condition persists, consult an emergency dentist soonest possible.

Conclusion:

So make your vacation as stress-free as possible. We at Apple Tree Dental wish you the best on your upcoming trip, and we hope that this bit of insight may bring about a worry-free trip. So give us a call if you need a pre-trip tooth inspection and cleaning!

 

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