Nothing ruins a beautiful day like a side of pain with your morning coffee. Toothaches take the fun out of life and can be a sign of dental trouble.
Tooth pain means it’s time for a trip to the dentist’s office. Dr. Matthew Bridges of Chisholm Trail Smile Center is an experienced family dentist in Duncan, OK. Schedule an appointment, and our team will evaluate the cause of your toothache and determine the best treatment plan to restore your pain-free smile.
Toothache Symptoms
Dental pain is usually a prominent sensation, and the best course of action is to visit your family dentist in Duncan, OK. However, if you’re not sure if your pain is a toothache, look for these symptoms:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet substances
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling around your tooth or jaw
- Bad breath or foul taste
- Fever or headaches
- Bleeding or discharge near the tooth or gums
These signs may correlate to a number of oral health complications, so it is important to get to your family dentist right away if you experience them.
What causes a toothache?
Toothaches are a fairly common occurrence, with one study showing that 55.1% of adults had experienced a toothache within six months of the experiment. The causes of a toothache vary and can range from mild to serious.
Tooth Decay
One common reason for toothache is tooth decay. When saliva mixes with bad bacteria in our mouths, it creates plaque that sticks to our teeth and erodes our enamel. This erosion results in cavities that can cause tooth pain and sensitivity. Despite being preventable, cavities are common and almost 26% of adults aged 20-44 suffer from untreated tooth decay.
If a cavity is the cause of your toothache, it can be fixed with a quick trip to our family dentist in Duncan, OK. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we can treat a cavity and prevent further damage with a filling.
Abscessed Tooth
A deep cavity or crack can allow bacteria to enter the interior of your tooth and infect the pulp. This can result in a buildup of pus known as an abscess.
Abscessed teeth can be very painful, and are usually treated with a root canal procedure. Dr. Bridges will remove the infected tissue and fill and seal the tooth. Then, he will fit you with a dental crown to protect your tooth and prevent further damage.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
TMD is a condition that causes pain in the jaw joint and muscle. This pain can radiate into your back teeth, resembling a toothache. Lockjaw, difficulty chewing, and problems opening your mouth widely could be signs that your tooth pain is really jaw pain.
Treatment for TMD is available at your family dentist in Duncan, OK. Dr. Bridges will evaluate your situation and customize a treatment plan to fit your individual needs.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Excessive grinding and clenching of your teeth can wear down your enamel over time and even crack your teeth. If you grind your teeth unconsciously at night, you may benefit from wearing a mouthguard. You can prevent clenching during the day by reminding yourself to relax your jaw and removing stressors from your everyday life.
Gum Disease
A toothache accompanied by red, swollen, or bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain a good oral healthcare routine. This includes:
- Daily brushing and flossing
- Eating a balanced diet
- Limiting sugar intake
- Avoiding tobacco products
The most important part of good oral healthcare is regular visits to your family dentist. Sometimes gum disease isn’t apparent until it becomes severe, but your dentist can detect early warning signs and recommend preventive measures.
Get treatment for your toothache today!
Dr. Bridges is a compassionate and professional family dentist in Duncan, OK. He and the rest of our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center are dedicated to providing you with stress-free dental care.
To schedule your next dental visit, contact us online or call (580) 255.4880 today!
