One day you’re just sitting at home, putting the finishing touches on some holiday presents for your family. Then, out of nowhere, a searing pain shoots through your mouth. Uh oh, you have a toothache! This pain doesn’t subside when you take ibuprofen, and it interferes with your ability to enjoy your daily life. What can you do in this situation? Continue reading to find out.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain
The most common reason you might have tooth pain is due to cavities. In order to feel pain in the tooth, the decay must have reached the sensitive inner portion of the tooth, closer to the nerve. If your pain becomes more of a sharp pain instead of an ache, the decay may have reached the center of the tooth. This is the point at which you should definitely call your dentist in Cleveland.
Another common cause of toothaches is fractures. These can occur as a result of habits like clenching and grinding, as well as sports injuries, falling down, or simply biting down on something too forcefully. If you are feeling pain in a fractured tooth, that means that the fracture has traveled to the center of the tooth where the nerve is.
Gum disease might also be to blame for your toothache. This condition is characterized by a dull pain in the mouth, as well as red, swollen, tender, and bleeding gums. When your gums become inflamed due to gum disease, it results in a low, pulsing pain. Your gums might also recede, exposing the sensitive roots of your teeth.
How Your Dentist Can Help
The treatment you’ll receive depends on the cause of your toothache. If your pain is due to a serious cavity, they might suggest a root canal. During a root canal, your dentist will remove the infected or injured nerve, taking your pain with it. If the damage is too severe, they may recommend getting the tooth extracted. Fractures may also be healed with a root canal or extraction.
Gum disease can be a bit more complicated, depending on your case. It may be as simple as increased brushing and flossing and a prescription of antibiotics, or a more complex procedure like a dental deep cleaning. This entails removing plaque from beneath the gumline and smoothing out the rough roots of the tooth to prevent bacteria from attaching to them in the future.
If you have a toothache, you should first and foremost call your dentist in Cleveland. From there, they can determine the best course of action.
About the Author
Dr. Maryana Horokhivska achieved her doctorate at Case Western University’s School of Dental Medicine. Her professional memberships include the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the Greater Cleveland Dental Society. She loves helping patients feel comfortable and secure in the dental chair, including relieving toothache pain. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, reach out to her practice.