Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Dental aches and pains may come and go, but could indicate a severe condition, so it is crucial to know when you should contact a medical professional for an evaluation. A toothache may mean a tooth suffered damage or that your oral wellness is undergoing some health-compromising changes. Therefore, your friendly dentists in Erwin at Tusculum Dental Care share vital and potentially life-saving information about why toothaches happen and when to take it seriously.
What causes a toothache?
One of the most common causes of toothaches is the presence of bacteria. Harmful bacteria that remain on your teeth form into sticky plaque that adheres to your teeth and is a leading cause of cavity formation. The same bacteria that form on your teeth can accumulate under your gums resulting in gum disease advise the leading Greeneville dentists at Tusculum Dental Care. The bacteria feed on food particles and sugars in your mouth and excrete enamel eroding acid. Consuming foods and beverages dense with carbohydrates and sugar accelerates the acid production process resulting in an increased risk of developing cavities.
Decay is not the lone cause of a toothache. Some aches and pains could be symptoms of a more severe condition such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or bruxism, the habit of clenching and grinding your teeth. Your Jonesborough professional dentists at Tusculum Dental Care explain that toothaches can also form as a symptom of a sinus illness, circulatory issues, or ear complications. Some toothaches result from a cracked tooth that sends a zing of pain when consuming hot or cold food and beverages and when chewing or biting down. A cracked tooth that receives treatment can cease the painful sensations and restore functionality.
What should you do when you get a toothache?
Nagging toothaches that never seem to dissipate need professional medical treatment from your board-certified Erwin dentists near you at Tusculum Dental Care. The professional dental staff will ask questions about your tooth, symptoms you are experiencing, and any other pertinent information that may help in the treatment of your tooth. Once you schedule an appointment, a visual examination and x-rays will provide the dentist with answers to the origin of the pain and what treatment is best for your condition.
Toothaches do not always happen during dental office hours. When you have a toothache that begins at night or on the weekend, you may need to manage your pain until you get the dentist when the office opens or contact an emergency dentist. Therefore, the Greeneville family dentists at Tusculum Dental Care recommend rinsing your mouth with warm water to loosen and dislodge food particles that may affect the area as they could be irritating your gums. Gently flossing may also help remove impacted food bits in the area. Over the counter pain medication works well to help manage discomfort until you can get to your appointment. Also, you can apply an ice pack for 20 minutes each time to help reduce possible swelling or inflammation.
How do you know when your toothache a more serious condition?
A toothache could be a sign that your tooth contains an infection and needs immediate attention. When your tooth causes severe pain with sharp, consistent throbbing, contact the caring dentists in Jonesborough at Tusculum Dental Care immediately as the condition could become life-threatening. Other possible warning signs of an infection are swelling, an earache, running a fever, or a headache. Upon the discovery of these symptoms combined with your toothache, you must see a dentist as soon as possible.
Toothaches in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Toothaches can occur from simple things such as a small piece of food getting stuck between your gums and your teeth. However, the level of pain you experience could be an indicator of a more serious condition like an infection. If you have a toothache, no matter if the discomfort is great or small, make an appointment with your Erwin family dentists at Tusculum Dental Care to obtain treatment before the condition advances costing you more time and money. Feel free to call our office today at (423) 639-7575 or book an appointment online so that we can help you live pain-free.