If you don’t know what general dentistry is or what general dentistry services are, don’t worry, you’re in the right place. This blog will explore some of the typical questions you might have about the subject of toothaches and what a general dentist does.
Toothaches – FAQs
What is a Toothache?
Injury or trauma to the tooth area usually cause toothaches. Injury is commonly a result of tooth decay (or a cavity). People usually feel cavities when they get larger and deeper into the layers of tooth structure. Enamel is the hard, outer layer of tooth, and dentin is the softer layer beneath the enamel. Dentin is the tooth’s sensitive layer with tiny microscopic tubes that originate from the very center of the tooth. The pulp chamber (the center of the tooth) contains the pulp. The pulp consists of blood vessels and nerves. If decay gets past enamel into the dentin, the cavity can sometimes cause discomfort. A deeper cavity that approaches the center of the tooth will likely cause pain since there is more damage to the tooth and there is less tooth structure to insulate and protect the pulp. Localized infection between the gum and tooth (periodontal abscess) can cause toothache. A traumatic physical blow to a tooth can induce a sore tooth, as well.
(medicinenet.com)
What Causes a Toothache?
Toothache occurs from inflammation of the central portion of the tooth called pulp. The pulp contains nerve endings that are very sensitive to pain. Inflammation to the pulp or pulpitis may be caused by dental cavities, trauma, and infection. Pain from injury to the jaw can transfer to the mouth and may cause you to have symptoms of a toothache.
Source: healthline.com
What are the Symptoms of Toothache?
Along with throbbing pain, other symptoms of a toothache can include:
- constant dull ache
- sharp pain when you bite
- pain when you eat something sweet
- sensitive or tingly teeth
- pain or tenderness in the mouth
- pain or aching in the jaw
- mouth or gum swelling
- redness
- bad taste in the mouth
- a bad smell in the mouth
- pus or white fluid
- fever
Both adults and children can get a toothache. See a dentist immediately if you have any signs or symptoms. You will likely need a dental exam and an X-ray to find out what’s causing the tooth pain.
How Can Toothaches Be Prevented?
Everyone has a favorite remedy for toothache pain, such as rinsing your mouth with warm water or applying an over-the-counter topical analgesic to the sore spot. But stopping a toothache caused by a cavity or gum disease will likely involve a combination of a visit to the dentist and a regular oral care routine. At a dental visit, your dentist will decide if your toothache requires a filling or if you require a root canal, root scaling and tooth planing.
Whether or not you need a filling or gum surgery, you may find that your teeth are still sensitive. But that’s no reason to avoid your oral care routine. Following a regular oral care routine, which includes brushing and flossing, is another strategy to help take care of your teeth for a healthy mouth. We can recommend products that are gentle on sensitive teeth and gums, but powerful enough to promote oral health, help prevent tooth decay, and manage your toothache.
Source: crest.com
Speak with the top-rated general dentist in American Fork, UT now!
As you can see, general dentistry covers most of the usual procedures that we would expect from a typical trip to the dentist. Hopefully you got the answer you’re looking for and hopefully learned a few things about toothaches! If you want to read more, come back for our upcoming blog discussing “tooth pain“!
The Palisades Dental office is open 8am to 5pm, Monday through Thursday. To schedule a general dentistry consultation now in the American Fork, UT or Lehi, Highland, Cedar Hills, Pleasant Grove, Vineyard, and Orem, UT region, call us today at (801) 734-9223. Dr. Jeff Youngquist and the team at Palisades Dental are happy to help!
In case it helps, we’re conveniently located at 576 W Pacific Drive, American Fork, UT 84003-1406.
Come back later!
