Everyone will experience a toothache at some point. It can be a one-off occurrence or a frequent one. It’s important to understand what a toothache indicates to protect your oral health. Putting off a trip to the dentist can have serious consequences, so familiarize yourself with the following overview.

Understanding Toothaches

Causes

Toothaches can range from mild and infrequent to excruciating and constant. There are a number of potential causes. Often, they’re related to sensitivity or tooth decay. When extreme temperatures or decay-causing bacteria affect the sensitive dentin layer beneath your enamel, it can generate pain. Pain deeper inside the tooth may relate to a root canal infection—an advanced form of decay. When untreated, they’re often accompanied by an abscess that can result in severe infections. Sudden, intense toothaches may be related to fractures or broken fillings, and general infections may relate to gingivitis or gum disease.

Treatments

To alleviate the pain, your dentist will need to diagnose and treat the underlying problem. Decay warrants a filling or dental sealant. Root canal infections will require root canal therapy. Gum disease requires a scaling and planing procedure, as well as an antibiotic to kill the infection. Your dentist will need to seal any fractures or sculpt a dental bond over chips. Address toothaches right away, as delayed treatment can result in more serious problems.

Prevention

Prevent toothaches by brushing and flossing twice a day. Rinse your mouth after meals, and aim to eat healthy foods, including calcium-rich dairy, lean meat with phosphorus, and dark, leafy greens. All of these fortify enamel and improve gum health. Visit your dentist twice a year for an exam and cleaning so you stay ahead of problems.

If you’re overdue for a visit to the dentist, contact Four Corners Dental Group. With offices in Anchorage and Wasilla, AK, they provide a wide scope of dental care services, including emergency treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and orthodontic care. You can learn about their individual services on their website. Call (907) 258-3384 for their Anchorage office and (907) 376-2790 for Wasilla.