Do your teeth hurt when you chew or eat something too hot or cold? Here at our practice, we understand toothaches are no fun. Often, a simple toothache may be caused by several minor factors—including sensitivity. If you’re unsure, or if the pain continues, it’s probably a good idea to tell Dr. Gemmi and Middleberg.
In the meantime, we’ll walk you through the natural causes of toothaches, their signs and symptoms, and what you can do about them. We’ll also look at treatment options you can expect when you visit our Center City orthodontist treatment facility to get it taken care of professionally.
Toothaches and Its Causes
A variety of reasons can cause a toothache. Some of the most common ones include:
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is the leading cause of toothache and other dental problems. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that can damage the hard tissues of your teeth (enamel) and cause cavities. You may also experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods and tender gums.
Gum disease
Gum disease involves inflammation of the soft tissue around your teeth, including gums and bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to loss of bone around one or more teeth and make it difficult for your dentist to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Trauma or injury
Trauma or injury can cause pain in one or more teeth if they are cracked, chipped, broken, or knocked out completely (avulsed).
Dental abscesses
A dental abscess is an infection that forms due to untreated tooth decay or periodontal disease (gum disease). When bacteria enter the pulp chamber of a tooth through cracks caused by dental decay or any form of gum disease, the result can be a persistent toothache that you just will find very discomforting to deal with.
However, the type of tooth sensitivity and pain we hear more about at our office is the one that comes from your orthodontic care. These toothaches come from the pressure on your teeth as they shift into their new positions. Therefore, the amount of discomfort you feel will vary depending on your exact orthodontic plan.
When Should I Go to the Dentist?
You may be thinking that your teeth are fine or that it’s too expensive to go to the dentist. These are valid concerns, but they should not stop you from seeking treatment when necessary.
Here’s an excellent way to figure out when it’s time to visit our office:
First, Figure Out What the Problem Is
You can’t make an appointment with a dentist until you know what you need to fix. Some problems are easy to identify: You have a loose tooth or a cavity. Other problems aren’t so obvious.
You might not be able to tell if your gums are inflamed or if a tooth has been damaged by grinding. Our dentists will do a thorough examination and let you know what’s going on in your mouth so that we can fix any problems before they get worse.
Next, consider your options and call our office.
We can also help you determine which course of treatment makes sense for your situation. For example, you may also want to get Invisalign dental implants or braces in Philadelphia if your teeth are damaged or crooked and get them back into proper shape, which is something we can help you with.
We can also provide other services, such as crowns or root canals, to treat any significant dental problems that arise in your mouth during treatment.
Whatever the case may be, our staff will ensure you have all the information necessary to decide your oral health care needs before moving forward with any treatment plans.
How We Take Care of Your Toothache?
At Orthodontics Limited, we understand that toothaches are no fun. However, we want to ensure you get the care you need as quickly as possible.
We have a dedicated team ready to help you with any toothache issues you may be experiencing. Our team will work diligently with you to ensure your pain is taken care of quickly and efficiently.
We offer same-day appointments, so if your toothache is severe enough, we can see you on the same day as your call. We’ll set up an appointment for the next day or the following week if it’s not an emergency.
Our team also works hard to ensure that each patient receives the right treatment plan for their specific situation. We take time to get to know our patients and their unique needs so that they leave feeling confident in their treatment plan and confident in our abilities to provide them with quality care.
Home Remedies for Toothaches
As temporary relief for a toothache, rinse your tooth with warm water before visiting our office and make sure that nothing is lodged between your teeth. Then, apply an ice pack or take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce swelling.
Another temporary solution is to relieve pain and swelling by to relieve pain and swelling by using an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Take medicine as directed on the package label. These drugs also reduce inflammation, which helps soothe your gums and jawbone as well as your toothache.
However, we don’t recommend aspirin to anyone under age 19 because of its association with Reye syndrome — an illness that can lead to brain damage or death — or in children who have viral infections such as chickenpox or flu.
Can You Prevent Toothaches?
Preventing toothaches isn’t easy, but there are things you can do to help prevent problems. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush your teeth twice daily and floss regularly. Regular brushing helps remove food particles between your teeth, where they tend to collect and cause cavities, while flossing removes plaque from between teeth that brushing alone cannot reach.
You should also visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings every six months or so. If you have a cavity, it’s vital that you get it treated as soon as possible. Waiting too long can cause the cavity to worsen and spread throughout the tooth, making it more difficult and expensive to treat later on.
Get Your Toothache Fixed
Don’t let a toothache bother you any longer—come see us! You have the decision-making power to take control of your lifelong oral health each day.
Feel free to learn more about our practice on our website or Facebook Page. We look forward to connecting with you there!
