Few things are more painful than a toothache and a healthy mouth is one of the best ways to prevent tooth pain. Paso Robles dentist, Lisa Lu Davis, has released a report describing the various causes of toothaches and the healthy oral hygiene practices that can help avoid painful conditions.
Pain and soreness from a toothache often radiate into the entire jaw and mouth, causing associated headaches, neck stiffness, and even earaches from the pressure of inflammation. The tooth is sensitive to pressure and temperature, making chewing and eating very uncomfortable.
Dr. Davis’ report “Preventing Toothaches,” addresses three leading topics that can help patients avoid toothaches:
- Getting immediate care for a toothache
- Causes of toothaches
- Avoiding toothaches with good dental health practices
Getting immediate care for a toothache
Immediate care for a toothache is critical. Not only is getting relief for the pain important, identifying and treating the underlying cause, especially when infection is present, is urgent. Untreated infections only get worse and can lead to serious complications. A thorough examination identifies the source of the toothache and a recommended course of treatment, which may include pain relief or antibiotics before additional dental procedures can take place.
Regular dental examinations can help prevent emergency dental problems because the dentist can identify issues early and take appropriate measures to prevent swelling, pain, and infection.
Causes of toothaches
The American Dental Association reports that the causes of toothaches can be the result of anything that allows bacteria below the gum line. A cracked tooth or loose filling is all it takes for bacteria to enter and start trouble. Other common causes include:’
- Tooth decay-causing weak areas and holes in teeth and causing sensitivity and inflammation.
- Inflamed tooth pulp (pulpitis), the tissue and nerves in the center of the tooth.
- Abscess, bacteria inside the tooth pulp that becomes infected.
- Cracked or broken teeth.
- Impacted teeth, especially wisdom teeth that are not growing in properly and creating painful swollen gums.
- Gum disease, also known as gingivitis or periodontitis, causing infected, inflamed gums leading to bone loss and loss of teeth if neglected.
- Sensitive teeth. Healthy teeth and gums can be sensitive to different temperatures in food and beverages, and even the air. A dental examination helps identify sensitive teeth from “diseased” teeth and the dentist may recommend special care such as special toothpaste or a different kind of toothbrush.
- Non-dental causes can be a sinus infection putting pressure on the upper teeth, or some other reason that can best be identified by a dental examination.
Avoiding toothaches with good dental health practices
A healthy mouth, gums, and teeth are the best way to avoid a toothache. This means regular brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups. But some circumstances can lead to infection and toothache in spite of good daily oral health habits.
Old fillings might become loose over time, a tooth can crack from an injury to the mouth, biting down on an unexpected object in food or from chronic teeth grinding. Any injury to the mouth, even when obvious tooth damage isn’t present, should be followed by a dental examination as soon as possible.
Regular examinations help the dentist identify changes in the mouth, including early signs of inflammation, damaged teeth that might otherwise go undetected, and teeth that might be having trouble growing correctly. The appropriate procedure can be scheduled and painful, serious problems can be avoided.
Lisa Lu Davis, DMD, has been a family dentist in Paso Robles since 2007. Graduating at the top of her class and attaining her Dental Medicine Doctorate from Temple University in 1999, Dr. Davis received awards in radiology, treatment t planning, and restorative clinics. She was awarded the Hahnemann award for her research in Sjorgen Syndrome, a disease affecting the salivary glands. Along with general dentistry, Dr. Davis provides full-service dental services for all ages from toddlers to seniors.
Dr. Davis has published “Preventing Toothaches” as part of her dedication to helping everyone have a beautiful healthy smile and good dental health.
Lisa Lu Davis, DMD
2120 Golden Hill Road, Suite 103
Paso Robles CA 93446
(805) 238-6777
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