Keeping your gums and teeth healthy is the easiest way to keep a toothache at bay. This includes brushing at least twice a day (for at least two minutes per session), flossing, routine dental checkups, and adopting a healthy diet regimen, typically cutting back on sugary items. Nonetheless, even with such practical measures, you might still experience Novi tooth pain stemming from a range of concerns from trauma, infection, loose fillings, and wear, just to name a few. Here is a glance at the common tooth pain types and when to consider visiting your dentist.
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Temporary tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food/drinks is common and might not signify a serious problem. If the sensitivity does not go away in a minute or less, though, it may mean you have a developing issue, mainly affecting the pulp of the teeth. This requires a dental checkup to establish if you may have pulpitis, an inflammation of the pulp. Besides sensitivity, if you have pulpitis, you may also experience swelling and pain. A prompt checkup and treatment is essential to avoid complications such as localized bone or soft tissue infection referred to as a dental or periapical abscess.
Painful gums that also turn red commonly indicate an abscessed tooth. The pain worsens under pressure, such as when you bite or chew. This signifies a spreading infection moving from the tooth to the nearby soft tissue. A tooth abscess can rapture, significantly alleviating the pain, but it doesn’t mean all is well. The abscess may not drain, spreading the infection to the jaw, head, and neck, emphasizing the need to see a dentist for treatment.
Tooth pain as you bite or chew may indicate a minor problem such as a crack. You may also be dealing with loose dental fillings. In other instances, the pain may indicate deeper problems developing within a tooth. The pain may be caused by cavities or tooth decay. It could also signify an infection on your tooth or gums around it. Infections or inflammations are the common culprits causing pain when you bite down and should be checked, especially if it lasts more than two days.
Dull, aching pain can cause significant friction in your daily life. Eating can become chaotic. You may wake up with headaches and experience frequent migraines. While the throbbing pain could be temporary and not worrying, it could also last. The common cause is bruxism. This is grinding or clenching of your teeth, mostly unconsciously, including in your sleep. If left unmanaged, bruxism can cause severe issues, including accelerated teeth wear and jaw and gum problems. Your dentist can help caution against this, such as by recommending a bruxism mouth guard.
Tooth pain can impact your nutritional quests, speech, and smile, just to name aspects. It might not be a big deal and could be managed through simpler measures, including fillings. In other cases, especially related to gum disease, the dentist can help you adopt a more effective brushing and flossing regime and routine checks to monitor and manage the situation. Visit or call Novi Family Dentistry today for all your dental needs.
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