A toothache may seem like a minor problem that you can ignore, but consider this: pain is the body’s way of notifying us that something is wrong. Therefore, while it is true that some toothaches aren’t serious, others can be warning signs of oral health problems. To help you to decipher when a toothache is cause for concern, your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, explores the causes of toothaches.
Three Causes of Toothaches
- An irritant caught between teeth. If a food particle or another irritant is caught in your teeth, you may develop a toothache. Thus, one of the best practices you can develop upon noticing a toothache is to rinse your mouth with warm water and floss the affected area. If an irritant is the cause of the toothache, rinsing and flossing should lead to relief. If neither works and the pain persists, your toothache may have a more serious cause.
- A cracked tooth. If your tooth is cracked, it becomes more vulnerable to bacteria and stimuli. The crack serves as an entry point into the tooth, where stimuli can more easily reach the nerve-filled pulp. Toothaches caused by a cracked tooth will likely continue for many days. You may also feel sudden pain when chewing. If you think your toothache is the result of a damaged tooth, contact your Brighton dentist, Dr. Villani, for dental assistance.
- Tooth decay. A tooth that has been damaged by tooth decay may ache. It may also become discolored. If untreated, a tooth affected by tooth decay can lose structural integrity, putting it at risk of cracking or breaking. Infection can also spread throughout the mouth and body, putting your health at further risk. A toothache caused by tooth decay requires dental assistance, so if you have a lingering toothache that is not improved by rinsing or flossing, contact your Brighton dentist, Dr. Villani.
Schedule a Visit with Your Brighton Dentist
If you have a lingering toothache that does not improve with rinsing or flossing, schedule an appointment with your Brighton dentist, Dr. Villani, by calling Brighton Family Dental Group at (617) 562-5210. We proudly serve patients from Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Brighton, and the 02135 area.
