Why Do I Have a Toothache?

It’s easy to take your dental health for granted until you develop a toothache. Once a tooth starts to hurt, it can ruin your whole day. It’s the kind of pain that won’t go away, affecting your ability to eat, and bringing down your mood. As the pain persists, you inevitably wonder what might be causing it.

A common cause of toothache pain is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush your teeth and floss daily, it allows plaque to build up. The plaque produces acid, which can eat into tooth enamel, exposing the root and causing pain. Regular oral hygiene at home, along with routine checkups and professional cleanings, are the only way to prevent this.

Common Oral Health Problems

Gum disease is another cause of toothache pain. Often, gum disease shows no symptoms in its early stages, but eventually, as it worsens, it can cause sore gums, pain around teeth or bleeding. Gum disease needs to betreated as soon as possible in order to preserve teeth.

Sometimes poor dental repairs can cause pain. If a filling or crown is not fitted properly, it can result in a toothache. Even if the dental work was done correctly, there can be some tooth pain for a while afterward. However, if you experience pain for a prolonged period of time after having dental repairs done, let Dr. Rondon know, so she can alleviate it for you.

Other causes of toothache pain include tooth decay, fractures, abscesses, habitual tooth grinding or infections. In some cases, tooth pain is constant. In other cases, it is throbbing, or it might only occur when you put pressure on the tooth, such as when attempting to bite down on something.

Toothaches can be caused by damage from injuries. This is a particular risk for athletes, which is why it is so important to wear mouth guards while playing sports. If your tooth pain lasts longer than a day or two, it is important to make a dental appointment. Also, if the tooth pain has become severe, or if you develop a fever, earache or jaw pain when opening your mouth, it might be an indication of a more serious problem.

If the toothache is caused by an infection, it needs to be treated soon, because infection can spread to other parts of the face or it can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Whatever the cause, Dr. Rondon will find a way to alleviate the pain, so make your appointment today.

Gum Disease: What to Watch Out For

Gum disease is a far more common problem than many people realize, and more people are suffering from the condition than is readily apparent. This is because many of the symptoms of the infection don’t appear until late stages, when the disease has become severe. By that point, a lot of damage has already been done, and treatment is imperative as soon as possible to prevent tooth loss.

There are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood that you will develop gum disease. By becoming aware of these risks and taking steps to minimize them, it is possible to protect yourself.

Gum disease is caused by the same plaque that builds up on teeth and gums, so the biggest risk factor is poor oral hygiene. People who do not brush and floss their teeth regularly are the most susceptible to developing gum disease. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once might seem like an inconvenience, but it is well worth a little inconvenience to avoid the discomfort and damage of gum disease.

Tobacco use also greatly increases the risk of developing the disease, and this goes for dipping and chewing tobacco as much as it does for smoking. Other risk factors include poor nutrition, which often results from a bad diet, as well as certain medications. People with diabetes are at increased risk, and studies show that high stress levels can also be a factor.

Treat Early Signs of Gum Disease

If you have any symptoms of gum disease, it is important to let Dr. Rondon check it out. The earlier the disease is caught, the easier the treatment. Some symptoms to look for include red or swollen gums. If your gums bleed easily that might be a sign. General discomfort along the gum line or teeth that feel loose are also causes for concern. Other symptoms include receding gums, sores or persistent bad breath that won’t go away.

If you are suffering from any of these, we encourage you to make a dental appointment.  If left un-treated, gum disease forms pockets of infection between the gums and teeth. This infection can damage the supporting structure of teeth, eventually, making them loose. The infection can enter the bloodstream and spread to other areas of the body. In fact, several studies have linked gum disease with a wide range of health problems and illnesses.

Gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss for adults, so it needs to be treated as soon as possible. Of course, regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene are the best prevention, but a thorough exam will be able to determine if the infection is already present. If you think you are at risk, contact Dr. Rondon today!