Just like any other day, you are sipping your morning coffee or biting into a crisp apple-then suddenly, a sharp tooth pain hits you out of nowhere. You left wondering: what causes sudden tooth pain and what you should eat next? Well, you don’t need to panic and have immediate access to an emergency dentist in McKinney, TX. Choosing Valley Creek Dental Care is an emergency dental spot where you can go, if facing any dental related problems. Let's discuss some of the common causes and immediate remedies which can be used till we get professional treatment
Common Causes of Sudden Tooth Pain
Dental Decay and Cavities
Tooth decay that isn’t visible on the surface can develop cavities that reach the dentin and pulp, and cause sharp and sudden tooth or dental pain .Once the inner part of the tooth gets affected, even light contact can hurt.
Inflamed Tooth Nerve
An infection or irritation of the tooth's pulp happens mostly because of deep decay. It can cause severe throbbing pain and sensitivity to temperature.
Cracked or Fractured Tooth
What is often seen as hard, our teeth can also get cracked or fractured. And when they do, they cause pain while chewing food. Even if they get exposed to hot or cold substances.
Gum Disease or Abscesses
When a pocket develops near tooth roots filled with pus after a decay or trauma. It can lead to persistent pain, with possible swellings. Sometimes it even causes fever too.
Teeth Grinding
Constant grinding of teeth can crack the enamel and inflame the jaw. It can trigger sharp and stabbing pain.
Sinus Pressure
It's a rare infection that misleads pain into the upper teeth, which leads to dull or throbbing pain that mimics a dental problem.
Immediate Steps to Take
Rinse and Inspect
At first you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to get it clean. Then try and find a cause for the pain, like visible crack, swelling or bleeding.
Manage Pain
You can use some over-the-counter pain relievers to ease the pain. You can also use an ice-pack on your cheek for 10-15 minutes at a time. But do remember these remedies provide relief for only a short period of time.
Avoid Temperature Extremes
Avoid hot or cold food and beverages, and stand clear of hard or sticky substances that can aggravate or damage a tooth.
Use Temporary Fill or Wax
If you notice a sharp edge from a chipped tooth, you can ask for softened orthodontic wax or dental repair material at a drugstore. It can give you short-term relief.
Why You Should Seek Professional Care
There are various reasons that can cause sudden pain, and only a dentist can find out the true cause by:
By performing a thorough check-up of your mouth
Taking dental X-rays and digital imaging to find the root cause
Looking for cracks, cavities, infections, or perhaps gum problems may be the cause.
If not treated, the problem becomes worse by serious infection with a potential loss of teeth or spreading infection to nearby teeth and tissues, or even the jawbone.
Oral Health Care Tips to Avoid Pain
Brush Daily: Brush your teeth daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Doing this you can remove plaque without damaging the enamel, and keep your teeth healthy.
Floss: Floss helps you remove food particles from the gap between your teeths, and keeps you safe from gum disease.
Drink water: Drinking water can help wash away food particles and will help with the production flow of saliva, which is important for neutralizing acids in the mouth.
Keep Up With Check-Ups: It is essential to have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist every six months, have X-rays taken, and get an early diagnosis.
Wear a Nightguard If You Grind: If you think you might be a night grinder, your dentist can make you a custom guard to help protect your enamel from wearing or fracturing.
Protect Teeth from Activities: With any sport, be it boxing, football, rugby, or any other game where injury is highly probable, there is a big chance of teeth getting chipped or becoming a trauma, hence the need for a mouthguard.
By practicing the above suggestions, you can maintain a smile full of health and may even prevent emergency dental visits.
Conclusion
A toothache should never be ignored. It can be because of many reasons, like cavities, fractures, infections, and gum recessions at any moment in time. Whenever you feel discomfort, it's very important that you get proper treatment for it as soon as possible. Valley Creek Dental Care is your emergency dentist in McKinney, TX. The one who can provide you with immediate care to relieve discomfort and take proper measures.
By avoiding sudden toothaches and maintaining good oral health through preventive measures such as oral health care tips and regular check-ups, you can minimize the chances of sudden toothaches. Don't wait until the pain gets worse. Consult your dentist if the condition needs treatment to take care of your smile forever.