Infection or Decay

Tooth infections can happen when decay or trauma goes untreated and bacteria gets into the root of your tooth, which contains all the nerve tissue that keeps your tooth alive. When bacteria enter your tooth root, an infection can make the tooth die inside and may even progress to the jaw bone.

If you suspect you have a tooth infection, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you get your infection addressed, the better chance you have of saving your tooth!

Sensitive Teeth

If your teeth feel like they’re aching from the inside out, you might be experiencing a case of severe tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is caused when the tooth enamel is
compromised—whether due to over-brushing, decay, or bacteria—and temperatures reach the center of the tooth and can cause pain.

For some people who experience tooth sensitivity, their pain may linger long after they’ve eaten the offending food, leading them to wonder if something else is going on. Sensitive teeth can be treated with help from your professional dentist, so don’t wait to seek help.

Bruxism

Teeth grinding—also called bruxism—is a cause of toothaches. You may be grinding your teeth while asleep and be unaware of this dangerous habit, but during the day, your teeth may ache.
Bruxism is extremely harmful to your smile and can cause immense stress on the teeth as well as the tooth roots, making your teeth more likely to fracture and become sensitive and your gum tissue more likely to be inflamed.

A mouthguard or relaxation techniques can help you conquer bruxism and stop your perpetual toothache!

Trauma to the Tooth

If you’ve experienced any type of trauma to your tooth, such as an accident, a chip or a crack, or even tooth decay, the tooth may respond by causing pain.

Tooth trauma can take many forms, but it should always be checked out by a dentist. Even though a chip or a crack can seem minor, it has the potential to allow bacteria to enter your tooth’s nerve, therefore causing pain and even an infection that could compromise your tooth.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth happen when the third molars don’t have enough room to erupt in the mouth, which can cause them to push against the other teeth and cause pain. Typically, impacted wisdom teeth will need to be removed by an oral surgeon, so don’t delay in getting them evaluated if you’re having pain in the back of your mouth!

If you’re having a toothache, getting it addressed sooner rather than later is always a good idea. The longer you wait to have your tooth pain addressed, the higher the chances that your tooth will need to be removed. Regular checkups can help you avoid a toothache, so don’t wait to talk to your dentist!

The post What Are the Causes of Toothaches? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Decay or Trauma Can Cause Tooth Abscesses

Tooth abscesses are most often caused by tooth decay. This happens when a cavity forms but is not sealed. The cavity allows bacteria to enter the center of your tooth, where your tooth’s nerves are. This area is often referred to as the tooth’s pulp.

Once decay has progressed to this point, the tooth pulp becomes inflamed and infected. Although the pulp will usually die as a result of this, the infection may continue to spread. This will form a painful swelling around your tooth resulting in a toothache. Teeth that have experienced trauma are also subject to tooth abscesses. This includes teeth that have been broken or chipped—these can also allow bacteria to enter your tooth’s inner pulp and cause an infection.

Root Canal Therapy May Be Necessary

Once the inner pulp of your tooth has died, the tooth is essentially dead but can still remain in your mouth if the infection isn’t too severe. In order to save your tooth, you’ll need root canal therapy. Root canal therapy will clear out the infection from inside and around your tooth. The abscess may need to be drained in order to remove all of the infection. Once this is done, your dentist or endodontist will seal the space to protect it from future problems.

Once the root canal is done, you’ll have a crown on your tooth to fully protect it. This is the best form of treatment for tooth abscesses as it allows you to keep your natural tooth and clear the infection. You’ll begin to feel better once the painful abscess is gone. In extreme cases, the infection and abscess may be so severe that the only option is to remove the tooth. This is why it’s imperative to know the symptoms of a tooth abscess and seek treatment before it’s too late!

Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess

Not everyone will experience the same symptoms of a tooth abscess. Some people may not even feel pain. You may still notice sign or symptoms of an infection, though. These include:

 Red or swollen gums

 Pain when chewing

 A toothache ranging from mild to severe

 Fever

 Strange taste in your mouth

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess. Seeking treatment with your dentist before it’s too late can save your tooth! Tooth abscesses can be extremely painful and also could put you at risk to lose your tooth. If you notice any signs or symptoms of an abscess, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with your dentist to ensure you receive effective treatment!

The post What Is an Abscessed Tooth and How Is It Treated? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.