Many people don’t think twice about a toothache. But what if your toothache was an indication of a serious problem with your oral health? Pain is the body’s messenger that all is not right, and if you ignore the messenger, you may be unaware of major concerns. However, quite often a toothache turns out to be a fleeting sensitivity rather than, say, a cavity. So how can you tell when a toothache requires dental assistance? Below, your Prosper dentist, Dr. Vimal Patel, shares some tips for determining the seriousness of your toothache.
Diagnosing Your Toothache
Many toothaches are caused by food particles caught between teeth. Thus, a great first step in diagnosing any toothache is to rinse your mouth with water and floss in the area of the toothache. Oftentimes, these two steps will relieve the toothache and your worries. However, if rinsing and flossing do not relieve the pain, the cause may be something more serious.
Other Causes of Toothaches
A lingering toothache may indicate a problem that requires dental assistance. Don’t languish with a toothache for days on end. Seek dental care from your Prosper dentist, Dr. Patel, if you have a toothache that just won’t go away. Lingering toothaches have several causes, many of which are listed below.
- Bruxism. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, subjects teeth to powerful forces. These forces can wear teeth down and weaken their structural integrity. In the long run, teeth may crack, chip, or break, necessitating the placement of a dental crown. In the short run, the exposure to such strain can cause lingering sensitivities.
- A cracked tooth. A cracked tooth is often sensitive to hot and cold food items. A sharp pain may also occur during biting and chewing. Because a cracked tooth has a compromised defense against bacteria, immediate dental care is advisable.
- Tooth decay. Tooth decay may result in a toothache that just won’t go away. Without intervention, decay can continue until the pulp of the tooth becomes infected. Once infected, the tooth may die and fall out.
Schedule a Visit with Your Prosper Dentist
Do you have a persistent toothache? Don’t ignore your body’s warning. Contact our 75078 dental office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Prosper dentist, Dr. Patel, by calling 972-347-9617. We serve patients from Prosper and the surrounding communities.