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Unlike bones, teeth do not have to break to cause pain. Toothaches can be the result of a long list of problems.
Some of these problems can become serious if you do not go to a dentist.
How do your teeth work?
Much harder than bones, teeth are the most complex components of your body. They are much more than they appear on the surface since the teeth extend well below the gum line and have several important interior features.
The following are the main parts of your teeth:
- Gumline: this is the point where the gums meet the teeth. If you do not brush and floss regularly, you may find plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line.
- Enamel: this layer covers the entire exterior of the tooth. Although it is the most complex tissue in the body, it can be compromised without proper dental care.
- Crown: This is the upper area of the tooth, and it comes in a variety of shapes that determine the tooth’s function.
- Dentin: This layer is under the enamel and is made of living cells that produce a mineral substance.
- Pulp: This internal area of the tooth includes the nerves and blood vessels that help keep the tooth alive.
- Root: this part is embedded in the bone and keeps the tooth in position. You usually can not see the heart, but it is more than half the average tooth.
Although all teeth are made of the same parts, not all teeth are the same. The 32 teeth that most adults have are divided into four different groups.
Each one is responsible for different tasks to ensure that he can bite, chew and grind the contents of his heart. These groups are:
- Incisors: Most people have eight incisors, sharp teeth in the front of the mouth.
- Canines: a regular mouth has four dogs, which flank the upper and lower incisors. These teeth are made to cut food.
- Premolars: these eight teeth reside between the canines and the molars, and they do better at crushing the food.
- Molars: These are the eight teeth found in the back of the mouth and are made to grind food.
- Wisdom teeth: Many people choose to have these four teeth removed, as they often clog the mouth and cause neighboring teeth to move.
Possible causes of Toothache
Toothache or tooth pain usually occurs when the pulp, or central part of the tooth, becomes inflamed. The most common causes of a toothache include the following:
Damaged filler: cavity fillers do not last forever and can be damaged when you bite a hard object or suffer an injury. When a filling is damaged, the affected tooth is no longer adequately protected and may be prone to infections and general malaise.
Grinding teeth: Many people grind their teeth occasionally, but it can cause severe damage to the teeth when done regularly. When you grind your teeth extensively, you can fracture or break your teeth and even lose one or more teeth.
Cracked tooth: teeth generally enjoy the protection of enamel and dentin, but these hard surfaces can crack or splinter due to injury, age, or chewing complex objects.
When cracked, hard surfaces can change while chewing, causing pain in the pulp. Over time, a cracked tooth can also cause sensitivity to temperature and even infection.
Caries: This occurs when bacteria from the food you have eaten become acid that wears out your enamel. Over time, tooth decay can cause severe injuries and Toothache.
Tooth abscess: when left untreated, tooth decay can lead to an abscessed tooth, an infection in the tooth root. This can compromise the enamel, leaving the pulp exposed to possible disease.
Infected Gums: Also known as Gingivitis, infected gums begin with bacterial growth, plaque buildup, and inflammation. Gingivitis can be uncomfortable, but the effects are treatable. However, Gingivitis can quickly escalate to periodontitis and tooth loss if left untreated.
Symptoms of Toothache
Many people experience fleeting discomfort in the teeth or jaws that occur for various reasons, so it can be challenging to know if they are experiencing Toothache. In general, Toothache is revealed with the following symptoms:
- Pain: when it comes to teeth, it can be intense, throbbing, or persistent. Some people also have pain that only comes to the surface when applying pressure on the tooth.
- Swelling: This usually occurs in the gums surrounding the affected tooth.
- Headache: As the teeth and mouth are connected to the rest of the body systems, it is not unusual for Toothache to cause headaches and even a fever.
- Taste: an infected tooth can cause a bad taste drain that seeps into the mouth. This is a sure sign that you should see a dentist.
How to treat a Toothache?
Not all Toothaches require you to run to the dentist. If your symptoms have not escalated beyond what is moderate or you can not see your dentist immediately, you can perform the essential treatment yourself.
First, try flossing between your teeth and rinse your mouth with saltwater. To keep the symptom at bay, take an analgesic or use an over-the-counter solution that you can apply directly to the tooth.
You can handle some of the symptoms of Toothache on your own, but that does not mean you should skip the dentist altogether; a dentist can locate the root of the problem by examining the mouth, looking for damage to the teeth, and taking x-rays.
Depending on the cause of your Toothache, the dentist can fill a cavity, prescribe an antibiotic, or perform a root canal treatment. If you think you may have Toothache or want to plan your health and that of your family, there is no reason to worry about the cost of treatment.
