Everything You Need To Know About A Toothache

Posted on: 1 June 2016

Most people will suffer from a toothache from time to time. Sometimes it is a minor sensitivity, but other times it's excruciating pain that no painkiller is going to stop. There are times that you will need to call an emergency dentist for help stopping the toothache. Here is all you need to know about toothaches, so you can stop and prevent them.

The Number of Toothaches Have Gone Down Over the Years

Did you know that there are fewer people complaining of toothaches now then in the early 1900s? Encyclopedia.com states that this is due to fluoride in water. It was added around the late Victorian era into the Edwardian era, and is now included in toothpaste and some mouthwashes to protect the teeth from tooth decay. Better oral health has also helped this to happen.

However, toothaches do still happen. Tooth decay is still a problem, especially among those who eat or drink far too many sugary items.

Tooth Decay Is the Most Common Reason

Toothaches usually occur due to tooth decay. The enamel wears away, so the plaque, which produces the acid, wears away the pulp within the tooth. Pain usually occurs when the root is exposed.

Teeth are usually filled, but sometimes these can break and wear away. When there is a problem with the fillings, the side effects of tooth decay happen. Cracked teeth can also lead to the root being exposed, causing pain.

Receding Gums Lead to More Tooth Exposure

The gums protect the roots of the teeth. These parts have less enamel, and are more at risk of tooth decay when exposed. If your gums are receding, you may find that the softer pulp is exposed more and you suffer from more toothaches. Receding gums are often due to excessive or hard brushing, damaging the area.

When to Call the Dentist

The type of pain will depend on when to call the dentist and which type of dentist to get in touch with. Most treatments will wait for your regular dentist, with an in-hours appointment. You should be concerned of any pain lasting a day or two, according to 1 Dental.

However, when you have a fever, swelling of the gums or an intense pain, you should call for an appointment as soon as possible.

Looking after your teeth is important. Fluoride helps in most aspects, but you will still need to follow a healthy diet and a good oral hygiene routine. This can help prevent most reasons for a toothache.

Contact a business like Kappenman Family Dental to learn more.

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