Toothcache:cause and treatment
Toothache refers to pain on the teeth and jaws that's usually caused by tooth decay.
You may feel toothache in many ways. It can come and go or be constant. Eating or drinking if the food or drink is hot or cold,can make the pain worse,
When to see your dentis
If you have toothache for more than one or two days, visit your dentist as soon as possible to have it treated,or the worse it will get.
If your toothache isn't treated, the pulp inside your tooth will eventually become infected
You can use painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen to reduce the pain and discomfort while you're waiting for an appointment
What causes toothache?
Toothache occurs when the innermost layer of the tooth (dental pulp) becomes inflamed. The pulp is made up of sensitive nerves and blood vessels
there are most popular causes:
-Tooth decay – this leads to cavities forming in the surface of the tooth
-A cracked tooth – the crack is often small that it can't be seen with the naked eye
loose or broken fillings
-Receding gums – where the gums shrink to expose softer, more sensitive parts of the tooth root
periapical abscess – a collection of pus at the end of the tooth caused by a bacterial infection
Treating toothache
The type of treatment you have will depend on the cause of the pain, so your dentist will examine your mouth and may carry out an X-ray to try to identify the problem.
If your toothache is caused by tooth decay, your dentist will remove the decayed area and replace it with a filling.
If your toothache is caused by a loose or broken filling, the filling will be taken out, any decay will be removed, and a new filling put in place.
If the pulp inside your tooth is infected, you may need root canal treatment
If the pulp inside your tooth is infected, you may need root canal treatment.this includes removing the infected pulp and then inserting a special type of filling to seal the tooth
Your tooth may need to be removed if the toothache can't be treated using these methods
The best way to avoid getting toothache and other dental problems is to keep your teeth and gums healthy
you can
Brush your teeth twice a day using a toothpaste containing fluoride – gently brush your gums and tongue as well
Clean between your teeth using dental floss and, if necessary, use a mouthwash
Don't smoke
If possible,have regular dental check-ups, preferably with the same dentist.