A toothache is one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits in Massachusetts, totaling a million visits or so. Fortunately, most of the reasons behind these toothaches are easily treatable by the dentist. There can be various causes for a toothache, including excess bacteria, cavities, impacted wisdom teeth, gingivitis, etc.
Toothaches, when not treated promptly, can become severe and start affecting your gums as well. Your gums may become red and inflamed, and you may have a bad taste in your mouth due to the infection. If you have a toothache that is causing all of these problems, visit a dental office Norfolk, MA, without wasting any more time.
Common causes of toothache
- Tooth decay
Tooth decay can cause severe pain in your mouth while eating or chewing acidic or sweet substances. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more severe problems and oral complexities.
It is highly recommended that you visit a dentist as soon as possible to get a dental filling and prevent the cavity from expanding. Keeping good oral hygiene is crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing bacteria and cavities.
- Gum disease
Gum disease can cause severe tooth pain as well as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. The main reason behind gum disease is the accumulation of plaque over the gum line and around the teeth, which results in damaged teeth and infected gums.
When gum disease becomes severe, it is known as periodontitis. During this stage, the bone tissues can become inflamed, resulting in swollen gums, sharp pain, and bone loss around the teeth.
Therefore, it is highly advised to remove plaque and other leftover food particles from your mouth regularly.
- Abscessed tooth
An abscessed tooth refers to damage or infection within the tooth, specifically in the pulp chamber, where the infection reaches the root tip. An abscessed tooth can result in swollen gums, infected roots, bone loss at the site of infection, and severe pain.
If you have red, swollen gums or feel pain in your teeth while biting, it may be a sign of an infected tooth. Visit your dentist immediately to treat the issue.
While waiting for your appointment, you can apply coconut oil to relieve the pain. It has antiseptic qualities that can draw out the infection and help heal the soreness and pain.
- Tooth sensitivity
Another common reason for tooth pain is tooth sensitivity. Your teeth may feel sensitive when they come in contact with hot or cold liquids or foods, causing sharp pain. This can be due to the weakening of enamel or receding gums.
Dentists recommend using fluoride-based toothpaste to combat the issue of sensitive teeth. Do not let a toothache disrupt your daily activities. Call your dentist today!