Sometimes, a toothache can be successfully stopped with an over-the-counter pain reliever or oral analgesic. Home remedies, like putting ice on the side of your mouth where the tooth hurts, might sometimes work, as well. However, the thing about such solutions is they usually only offer temporary relief, and in many cases, the discomfort will return before long. The most effective way to avoid this is to get to know as much as you can about your toothache – specifically, what’s causing it – so you can determine what the best solution for it is.
What it actually means for your tooth
In most cases, a toothache is a warning that something isn’t right with your dental health. What that warning means, however, can differ, and so can the potential consequences of it to your tooth and oral health. For example, if your tooth is sensitive, but not severely painful, then it may be an early warning of weakened tooth enamel. This can be a precursor to tooth decay, yet you might still have a chance to avoid it by taking steps to strengthen your tooth enamel. If the pain in your tooth means that a cavity has developed, then it means your tooth structure is already decaying, and you could require a filling to stop it and alleviate the discomfort.
If there’s an underlying problem you don’t notice
Things like tooth decay or damage to your tooth enamel and structure can be highly noticeable causes of tooth sensitivity and pain. Yet, not all causes of toothaches can be so direct or obvious. For instance, the roots of your teeth are not covered by enamel to protect them from sensitivity. They rely on the protection of your healthy gum tissues, which cover and support them. If you experience early signs of gum disease, your gum tissues may recede from your teeth roots, leaving them exposed to irritations like oral bacteria, food particles, and more.
What your best treatment option might be
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a toothache caused by a cavity, by gum recession, or by other oral health concerns on your own. If your toothache is consistent and returns after you’ve applied at-home remedies, then you may need a professional diagnosis and treatment to determine and address the cause of it. This may include restoring your tooth structure with a custom restoration, performing deep periodontal cleaning to address gum disease, or another appropriate, custom treatment option.
Learn how to handle your toothache
Given the unique nature of most toothaches, it helps to know exactly what’s causing yours before you can find the best way to alleviate it for good. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500.
