Everything you need to know about Toothache
Toothache is a generic ailment and can be caused by a multitude of factors like Tooth Decay, Tooth fracture, Gums that are infected and even a damaged dental filling.Let us get to know what are the most common causes of a Toothache and how to detect them-
Tooth Decay
These are caused when sticky food rich in processed sugar deposit on the teeth and result in the colonization of the bacteria. The bacteria then use the sugar to produce acids which forms a white substance called Plaque. These acids can dissolve the tooth structure resulting in cavity formation. When the cavities are not filled it can affect the nerves inside the teeth resulting in pain.
Signs: Discolouration, ie white patch or brownish-black discoloration of teeth, hole in the tooth
Type of pain: Constant or intermittent severe throbbing pain that makes you rush to the dentist office within no time
Treatment: Your dentist would do a Filling or Root Canal Treatment depending on the depth of the decay
Infected Gums
Gum disease occurs when the bacteria in the undisturbed plaque destroys the supporting ligaments around the teeth resulting in gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum disease might also be due to a medley of factors ranging from natural a.k.a hormonal changes in pregnant women making them vulnerable to gum disease. There are also risk factors for diabetes, smoking, hip infection for disease in gums.
Signs: Redness, bleeding gums, gum recession, shaking teeth, pus-filled boils in the gum, spacing between teeth, bad breath that is seen along with yellowish or browns tartar deposits on your teeth especially near the gum-line
Type of pain: Dull aching pain that might delay your dental appointment to the last date
Treatment: Professional cleaning to remove the tartar, deep root and gum Cleaning to remove bacteria and infected gum tissue, Flap surgeries with bone Graft that gives your gum its lost health.
Gum diseases if not treated at appropriate time can lead to the premature loss of your teeth
Pain due to Dental Filling
Dental fillings are a common way to treat cavities. But it might cause sensitivity or pain in a tiny minority of population due to the irritation from the components of the filling. It is important to consult your dentist to see how it can be remedied.
Tooth fracture
A bad bite that results in a crack leading to irritation of the pulp or the gum ligaments can give you severe toothache. Any accident or blow on to the tooth can cause fracture of the tooth leading to sensitivity or a toothache
Signs: Crack lines on teeth or fracture of tooth
Type of pain: Severe unbearable pain
What to do when your tooth cracks?: Your dentist would suggest filling, root canal treatment or sometimes even the removal of the tooth based on the depth of the crack
Tooth abscesses
When Tooth decay progresses to affect the nerve inside roots of teeth it spreads to the underlying bone and gum tissues leading to the damage and infection leading to a toothache
Signs: You will notice a discolored or badly broken down tooth that has a boil in the gum, swelling either inside or both inside and outside your mouth, bad breath, pain, sometimes accompanied by fever.
Type of pain: Moderate continuous pain
Treatment: Adequate antibiotic course along with either Root canal treatment or extraction of the tooth solves the problem. Sometimes it might even require removing the pus surgically.
Temperature Sensitivity
Tooth pain might also be experienced by hot or cold drinks when the nerve is exposed. This typically means that your enamel has been damaged.
Tips for a healthy tooth-
- Using toothpaste with fluoride and rinsing frequently helps your teeth
- Avoid drinking acidic food and drinks. Brush twice a day and floss regularly.
- Include green vegetables, spinach, yogurt, apples, carrot, almonds in your daily diets to help maintain permissible pH levels.
- Drink plenty of water to replenish your gums.