Toothache is one of the most intense and destabilizing physical ailments that can affect us, and it is that sometimes it is so strong that even sleeping becomes impossible. Faced with this situation, we must not wait too long, and it is that go to a dental consultation as soon as possible is essential to detect the origin of the problem and attend to it quickly. Otherwise, it can advance to put our dental health at serious risk. Do you want to get an idea of why you feel so much discomfort in this area? In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain in detail the leading causes of toothache.
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Why is visiting the dentist so important?
Except for those cases in which pain occurs in young children due to the emergence of new teeth, any toothache or discomfort in the teeth requires the immediate attention of a dentist. The pain will not pass itself because usually, the causes that produce it need a professional solution, so the longer you lengthen the problem, the more you will be able to prolong the discomfort and discomfort, even running the risk that the condition progresses and worsens.
The dentist is a specialist like any other, and there is no need to fear a consultation with this professional, who can, after an evaluation, give you the appropriate solutions to treat your condition.
Cavities, the leading cause of toothache
Cavities are not only one of the most common conditions, but they are also the leading cause of toothache. These occur when plaque accumulates on the teeth and, not being removed properly, becomes a dental calculus that damages the tooth’s enamel until it produces holes in it. At first, cavities do not hurt, but if they are not detected and treated in time, they will continue to advance until they affect the nerve of the tooth; at that moment is when pain and discomfort appear.
Advanced cavities, in addition to pain, can lead to a tooth abscess and the destruction of the inner part of the affected tooth, which can lead to expensive treatments to repair the area or the loss of the tooth.
The main symptoms of advanced cavities are:
- Discomfort in the area when eating or drinking hot or cold food.
- Pain in the affected tooth.
- Visible holes in the affected tooth.
- In some cases, fracture or cracking of the tooth.
- If the cavity is very advanced, you can even feel the tooth beating.
Given these symptoms, it is essential to go to a dentist as soon as possible for a timely solution to this condition.
A tooth abscess or phlegmon
When tooth decay progresses without treatment, localized bacteria can infect the root of the tooth and lead to one of the most annoying and painful dental conditions: a tooth abscess, also known as phlegmon. This condition can also be caused by trauma to the tooth, although cavities are the most common.
The symptoms of tooth abscess are:
- Severe pain in the tooth.
- Sensitivity to heat and cold.
- Inflammation in the affected area.
- Bad breath and a bitter taste in the mouth.
- Fever due to infection.
- Chance of swollen glands.
This condition requires immediate professional dental care to prevent the infection from spreading and the problem from getting worse.
Injuries to the teeth or jaw
Any significant trauma such as a blow or accident can lead to jaw injuries or tooth fractures. This particular condition can produce pain in the affected tooth or teeth and even significant and intense jaw pain when there is a fracture in this area.
If, after a substantial trauma, you have intense discomfort in this area, visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Bruxism
Consciously or unconsciously clenching your teeth, especially while doing activities like working, when we sleep, or during periods of significant stress, can lead to tooth wear and jaw pain that can even spread to the ear and head. . In this case, the pain is not in a specific tooth but several.
This condition is known as bruxism. To diagnose it, it is necessary to visit a dentist, and the good news is that its solution is straightforward, use a splint made to measure while we sleep to end the discomfort.
Sinusitis
The inflammation of the sinuses, called sinusitis, although surprise you, can also lead to toothache. However, as in the previous case, the discomfort does not necessarily focus on a specific wheel but can occur in several. This is because when the sinuses become too inflamed, the roots of the maxillary teeth can also end up suffering due to the proximity to the affected area.
Suppose you have symptoms such as pain and pressure in the head, inflammation under the eyes, nasal congestion, fatigue, discomfort in the throat, facial sensitivity, and pain in the teeth. In that case, it is likely this condition, so it would be appropriate to visit an otolaryngologist.
Recommendations to prevent a toothache from getting worse
While you are waiting for your dental appointment, there are some excellent recommendations to follow to prevent a toothache from getting worse:
- Avoid eating very hot or cold foods to prevent tooth sensitivity.
- Opt for soft foods that don’t require too much chewing. Hard or fibrous ingredients should preferably be avoided.
- Do not eat sweets or sugar, as they make toothache worse.
- Cold compresses applied to the side where you have discomfort can help relieve pain and inflammation. Please do not do it inside the mouth but outside, with the compress resting on the skin of the jaw.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Causes of toothache, we recommend that you enter our category of Teeth and mouth.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.