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Most people experience toothaches from time to time. In many cases, they’ll go away on their own within a few days. Other times, they may have a more serious cause and need professional treatment. Keep reading to learn more about toothaches and find out when to visit a Brooklyn dental office to get help. What Is a Toothache? Your teeth are made to stand up to a lot of wear and tear over the course of your life. They are covered by a hard surface, called enamel, which is the strongest substance in the human body. However, even enamel can gradually become cracked, exposing the sensitive nerves within your tooth. Toothaches occur when something damages these nerves. Common Causes The most common cause of toothache is tooth decay. This is frequently caused by teeth that are fractured by cavities, teeth grinding, or trauma to the face. Bacteria enter these fractures and cause decay in the softer inner parts of the tooth. Toothaches can also be caused by an infection in or around the tooth. The Danger of Tooth Decay As if tooth decay alone isn't enough to concern you, it can also lead to other significant health problems. That’s why it’s so important to treat your toothache as soon as possible, so it doesn’t have the chance to spread. The longer you wait, the more damage will be done to your tooth and the gum around it. You may lose your tooth and permanently disfigure your jaw. Infection in your teeth and gums can also spread to other areas of your body and cause serious illness. How to Relieve Mild Toothaches When you first notice a toothache, you may be able to relieve the symptoms yourself if you act quickly. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to get rid of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly for the next several days. If your toothache was caused by poor oral hygiene, this may correct the problem in time and let your body heal naturally. When to See a Dentist For severe toothaches or toothaches that last longer than a few days, it’s important to visit your dentist. You should also see a dentist if you experience other symptoms, such as • Fever • Bad breath • Pus or other discharge in the mouth • Headache or earache These are usually signs that the infection has begun to spread and needs to be stopped before it does more damage. Available Treatments If an infection is the source of your toothache, your dentist will thoroughly clean the area and provide you with antibiotics to kill the bacteria that are causing the infection. If you have a cavity, your dentist can fill it to protect the sensitive nerves within. For more severe infections, there are 2 basic treatments: • Root canals: A root canal is a procedure in which the infected pulp inside your tooth is removed. Although this has a reputation as a painful procedure, it is really the toothache that causes the pain. Removing the damaged tissue removes the infection, relieves your toothache, and allows you to keep your natural tooth. • Extraction: If your dentist decides that your tooth is too damaged to save, it will have to be extracted. This keeps the infection from spreading to the rest of your mouth. Once your tooth is removed and the area is healed, the lost tooth can be replaced with a dental implant or bridge. If your toothaches are caused by an irregular bite or teeth grinding, you will also have to treat the underlying problem to prevent future toothaches. Your Brooklyn dental office can provide you with braces, mouth guards, or other tools to prevent the problem from returning. Albee Dental Care http://www.albeedentalcare.com/ is your experienced Brooklyn dental. Our number one priority is to provide the highest quality of dental care. Call today!
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