Are you facing a sharp or dull pain that surrounds your tooth? If you have a constant throbbing pain, swelling around your tooth, fever or headache, you may be suffering from a toothache. Toothaches, when chronic, can be symptom of a greater health issue. It’s important to keep note of your toothaches, to see your dentist, and find out what may be causing the discomfort.
The swelling and throbbing pain surrounding a toothache may be caused by:
- Tooth Decay
- Abscessed Tooth
- Tooth Fracture
- Damaged Fillings
- Repetitive Motions (Chewing Gum and Grinding Teeth)
- Gum Disease
- Jaw Clenching
A normal tooth root is located in the lower 2/3 of the tooth, hidden in the jawbone. However, if you develop gum disease, the bacteria causing such diseases will dissolve the bone around the tooth root. This causes more of the tooth root to become exposed. So, if you no longer have healthy gums or healthy bones, the tooth root will become incredibly sensitive to hot, cold, and sour foods.
You should see your dentist if you have a toothache lasting longer than one or two days, if your toothache pain is extremely severe, or if you have a fever or earache. Your dentist can obtain your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and ask you questions about your pain in hopes of properly identifying and treating any dental infections that may be causing your toothache. It is important to see your dentist so they can treat these infections and prevent any spread of bacteria to the face, skull, or in severe cases, the blood stream.
To maintain your teeth healthy visit your trusted Livermore Hills Dentist at least twice a year to get an exam and checkup. Prevent your teeth from being ruined by maintaining your dental hygiene and eating adequate foods to support your dental health.