A toothache is not a trivial matter. Over 25% of adults in America have admitted to taking time off work to deal with the discomfort of tooth sensitivity, and some women claim tooth pain is second only to childbirth. The magnitude of a toothache can be debilitating, and if you’ve had one before, then you can understand the urgency of treating one. To help you get the relief you need from your toothache, Fresno dentists Dr. Alex Denes and Dr. Claudia Denes explain the more common cause of toothache.
Dental Issues That May be Cause of Toothache
- Tooth decay—Tooth decay begins with acid eroding your tooth enamel. When you consume sugars and carbs, oral bacteria convert them into acid. Also, some foods are naturally acidic and can bypass the bacterial process to harm your teeth. The layer underneath your tooth enamel, called dentin, contains tiny tubules that lead to your tooth’s pulp, which houses the nerves. When enamel is weakened or destroyed by demineralization, dentin and its tubules are exposed to bacterial infection and decay, causing your tooth to ache.
- Gum disease—Although this dental condition affects your gums, its effects can resound through your teeth. In fact, gum disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss in America. As inflammation runs rampant, gum disease causes your gum tissue to separate from your teeth, exposing the tooth’s roots that are underneath. Because the roots are not protected by enamel, this exposure leaves them vulnerable to irritants (i.e., bacteria, food debris, etc.) that can cause toothache.
- Damaged tooth—Sometimes, an injury can damage a tooth’s structure enough to expose the pulp. As the only living tissue within your tooth, the pulp houses the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. When it is injured or diseased, it often dies and can form a pocket of infection called an abscess. These extreme cavities are among the most common reasons for visits to the dentist.
More on Toothaches
Sometimes, cause of toothache may not be a dental problem at all. A sinus or ear infection can affect your teeth’s comfort because of their proximity to your teeth, and in some severe instances, a toothache can signify a serious health condition, such as angina (inadequate oxygen to the heart due to restricted/narrowed arteries). If you experience a toothache, and no dental cause can be determined, speak with your physician as soon as possible. To learn more, or schedule your dental consultation, contact your Fresno dentists by calling Fresno Dental Studio at (559) 297-1800. Located in the 93720 area, we proudly serve patients from Fresno, Clovis, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.