Tooth Pain Warning Signs

Who wants to have to deal with tooth pain? There is nothing pleasant about it, and it can leave you miserable until it is taken care of. The truth is, toothaches are not nature's way of having fun at your expense. Toothaches serve a very important function; they alert your brain that there is something wrong in your mouth.

Treat the underlying issue that is causing the pain and it simply goes away.

Common warning signs of tooth pain

1. Tooth decay

Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of tooth pain. It is the result of the outer layer of the teeth, called the enamel, getting damaged by the acids that are constantly in a person's mouth. There are two main sources of these acids. Some are created by the bacteria that live in the mouth feasting on leftover food particles, while others are introduced into the mouth through the things a person eats.

When these acids make their way past a person's enamel, they begin to erode the inner layers of the person's teeth. Acid can eventually make its way through the dentin to the pulp chamber, leaving the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth exposed to the irritants in the mouth. From that point, it is only a matter of time before the patient has to deal with excruciating pain.

The best way to stop tooth decay right in its tracks is by practicing good oral hygiene. This helps to remove acids and food particles that are converted into acids before damage is done to the enamel. It also helps to reduce the accumulation of tartar and plaque. These two things facilitate tooth decay.

If cavities develop on a patient's teeth, dental fillings can be used to restore the integrity of the tooth. If the decay has made its way into the pulp chamber, a root canal or extraction may be performed.

2. A damaged tooth

There are many ways a person can end up damaging their tooth. How the damage occurs is not that important. What matters is the fact that once a piece of a tooth comes off, there is a good chance it will eventually lead to toothaches. Sometimes the pain is immediate, or it can take a few weeks for the pain to start in other cases.

If the damage affects the pulp chamber, the patient will likely experience excruciating pain immediately.

Ignoring a damaged tooth can make things worse. The enamel of a tooth is the strongest part of the body, and once it comes off, the inner layers of the tooth are more susceptible to tooth decay. That can quickly turn minor damage into a major problem.

If a person damages a tooth, it is best to see a dentist immediately. If the damage is minor, dental bonding can be used to restore the tooth. More serious damage might require a dental prosthetic like a crown.

If you are dealing with a toothache, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office.