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What Could Your Toothache Mean?

woman-toothache


Are you experiencing pain or swelling in or around your tooth? Do your teeth hurt when you chew food? Have your teeth become sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks? You might be experiencing a toothache.

 

Toothaches present themselves in various ways. They can either be felt as a sharp jolt of pain in your teeth or can manifest as earaches and headaches. They can also be quite intense and cause emotional and physical distress.

 

Learn the common causes of toothaches and what to do about them.

 

Tooth Decay

One of the most common causes of toothache is a tooth that is decaying. Your teeth decay when they develop cavities. Cavities develop for a number of reasons. These include poor oral hygiene, consuming too many sugary foods and drinks, and more. If you have a cavity, you will notice a tiny hole in your tooth.

 

As cavities go unnoticed when they’re first formed, people aren’t able to get them treated in time. Due to this, they are more likely to experience toothache later on. If you’re experiencing a toothache, it’s advised to get it checked right away. This is because the tooth could become infected, leading to more serious problems such as tooth loss.

 

If you’re experiencing tooth decay, brush with fluoride toothpaste after meals and visit your dentist for treatment.

 

Gum Disease

Another common cause of toothache is gum disease. Over 80% of Americans who have crossed the age of 35 get gum diseases. One of the most common gum diseases is gingivitis. It is a condition in which one’s gums swell up and become red. Moreover, they are also prone to bleeding.

 

If gingivitis worsens, it is called periodontitis. In this case, the gum tissue becomes damaged, and the teeth supporting the bones tear down. In case of gum disease, don’t forget to practice oral hygiene by brushing your teeth regularly. Moreover, avoid smoking and get a professional dental cleaning done.

 

Wisdom Teeth

Many of us have experienced toothache because of wisdom teeth at some point in our lives. Wisdom teeth are an extra pair of molars that can erupt in your mouth’s lower and upper jaw. If they fail to erupt through your gums, they can cause a lot of pain and, in some cases, even become infected. Due to them, you can experience toothaches depending on the size and position of the molars in your mouth.

 

Get in touch with a dentist so that they can prescribe you a painkiller and devise a treatment plan if needed.

 

Teeth Grinding


an image of a dentist and patient


Teeth grinding is also a common cause of toothache. Most people grind their teeth without realizing it. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth and are experiencing sharp pains, it could be a sign of a toothache. Grinding your teeth too much can also lead to worn-down teeth, a condition known as TMJ disorder.

 

To relieve the pain caused by teeth grinding, you can apply a cold or hot compress to your jaw muscles. Furthermore, avoid eating hard foods such as nuts and candies, drink lots of water, and get lots of sleep.

 

If you’re experiencing pain or swelling in your teeth, book an appointment with TelMDCare. Our online doctors for toothache are highly trained and experienced physicians. You can consult them for dental infection treatment.

 

Get in touch for online dental consultations now.