Toothache is real torture that can be difficult to eliminate. Unfortunately, even regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene can’t guarantee excellent dental health. There are a lot of reasons why your teeth may hurt. In this article, we gathered five dangerous causes of toothache you shouldn’t neglect.
1. Tooth decay
Tooth decay is considered one of the most common causes of toothache in both children and adults. A cavity usually appears as a result of bacteria that inhabit your mouth. These bacteria consume food particles and plaque and produce acids. If you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene, these acids constantly eat away the tooth enamel. Tooth decay usually occurs in the place there the enamel becomes too thin.
If you have noticed dark spots on your teeth that cause painful sensations, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Tooth decay tends to progress really fast and can damage the inner layers of the tooth. In this case, treatment will be more difficult as expensive.
2. Tooth fracture
Tooth fracture usually appears as a result of a fall, playing sports, or biting down on something hard. When the fracture occurs on the tip of the tooth, it may cause only mild discomfort. However, if the fracture affects the middle of the tooth, it can cause severe pain due to the nerve damage. Moreover, if the crack has sharp edges, you can easily injure soft tissues in the mouth. Depending on the damage, your dentist may use dental fillings or crowns to restore the absent part of your tooth.
3. Old dental work
Most dental works tend to wear or move over time. When the dental restoration shifts, it exposes the sensitive part of the tooth. It becomes more susceptible to irritants and response with aching pain. If you have an old dental filling, crown, bridge, or tooth implant, it is important to monitor its condition. Regular dental check-ups can help your dentist recognize the early signs of problems with dental work. Old fillings and prosthetics should be checked and replaced if needed.
4. Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity means that your teeth respond with pain to certain irritants. Most often, teeth react to hot or cold foods and drinks. The same reaction can occur as a result of the consumption of acidic and sweet foods or drinks. Tooth sensitivity develops when the enamel becomes thin and exposes dentin (the inner layer of the tooth). Dentin has nerve endings that react to irritants and cause severe pain.
In order to reduce tooth sensitivity, you can use a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. You should also note what irritant exactly cause the toothache and avoid its consumption until the treatment. You can also ask your dentist about dental bonding and other treatment options that will make your teeth less sensitive.
5. Tooth abscess
A tooth abscess is a quite dangerous condition that develops as a result of untreated tooth decay. When tooth decay reaches the root under the visible tooth, it can easily infect the root and surrounding tissues. The most common symptom of a tooth abscess is widespread pulsating pain. Due to the fact that it may be quite difficult to determine the exact damaged tooth, the treatment can be complicated. In the case of tooth abscess, you should immediately visit your dentist. If left untreated, this condition can cause tooth and bone loss.
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