Ever get a toothache? Of course you have; who hasn’t? At Shwarts Family Dentistry in Richardson, we stress the importance of good dental care to all our patients. But Murphy’s Law assures us that if something can go wrong, it will. And that includes getting a toothache.
What Causes a Toothache?
The most common cause of a toothache, by far, is decay. Better known as cavities, decay happens when acids produced by bacteria destroy a tooth’s enamel and the dentin beneath it. Once the dentin is damaged, a tooth becomes very sensitive. That means that a cavity has developed.
If the decay gets too advanced it can affect the tooth at its root. At that point there is a high probability that the tooth will become infected. That will take the toothache to a whole new level of pain, and is a very serious matter. Call us right away.
Other Causes
As common as cavities are, they are not, of course, the only cause of a toothache. Tooth pain may also be caused by gum disease. A more common symptom of gum disease is a dull pain in your mouth, and sensitive, bleeding gums. But tooth pain often accompanies this. Even if there isn’t any tooth pain, if you suspect gum disease you should call us.
Teeth can also get hairline cracks that may not be visible to the naked eye, but will give you pain. The pain could indicate a crack that has made it down to the middle of the tooth, where the root is. It might be the result of some kind of accident, and it won’t necessarily give you pain right away.
What To Do?
For each of these issues we recommend, very strongly, that you come in to see us as soon as possible. In the short term, though, you might relieve pain with one of the following:
- A cold pack, such as an icebag or a bag of frozen vegetables
- An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen
- A salt water rinse with warm water
But don’t do any of the above until you have scheduled an appointment with us. Mild toothaches are irritating, but it could be something more serious that we’ll want to treat immediately. Don’t take any chances!
At Shwarts Family Dentistry in Richardson we offer complete general dentistry. Patients from Richardson, Plano, and Prestonwood also come to us for cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us today.
About the Practice
Dr. Ellis Shwarts and his skilled team have proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in the Richardson, TX community for several years! A Dallas native, Dr. Shwarts received his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and has spent countless hours educating himself and honing his skills so that he can provide a truly unmatched level of care. The practice offers a comprehensive range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule your next visit, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance: (972) 525-9283.