Have you developed a toothache and aren’t sure why? Unfortunately, most dental problems don’t take care of themselves and only worsen the longer they go unaddressed. If you’re having a dental emergency, it’s vital to seek help right away to identify and address the underlying issue.
However, there are many reasons you might feel an unpleasant sensation in your teeth; some are more urgent than others. Continue reading to learn about 3 types of toothaches and what causes them so you know when to call your dentist!
Type #1: Sensitivity to Temperature Changes
If you notice a sharp or shooting sensation when you bite into something overly hot or cold, you may be coping with tooth sensitivity. This can happen for several reasons and can often be addressed without professional intervention. For example, you might find it helpful to switch to a desensitizing toothpaste or a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid abrading your enamel.
That said, it can also be caused by more serious concerns that must be treated, like cavities. It’s often best to err on the side of caution and schedule an appointment so your dentist can identify and treat any ongoing issues.
Type #2: Persistent or Severe Discomfort
If your toothache progressed over time or is interfering with your ability to eat or speak, you should call your emergency dentist for a same-day appointment. This type of ache is often the result of a tooth infection. Bacteria in your mouth can penetrate your enamel and cause painful inflammation in the nerves and tender pulp inside your tooth.
Often, an emergency root canal procedure can alleviate the throbbing. Then, your dentist will fit you with a dental crown to protect your injured pearly white while restoring its functionality and appearance.
Type #3: Acute Jaw Ache
Those who are experiencing a dull, sharp, or consistent ache behind their other teeth or further back in their mouths may be suffering from a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. If you suffer from bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), all the added pressure of constantly clenching your jaw can wear down your enamel prematurely. In time, this can throw your bite out of alignment and cause soreness in your jaw, neck, face, head, and neighboring teeth.
Your dentist can give you a custom-fitted night guard that cushions your upper and lower arches to reduce associated aches from grinding.
About the Practice
At Charm Smile Dental, you benefit from a team of dentists who share 30+ years of combined experience helping people build happy, healthy smiles. They take the time to get to know you and build a relationship built on trust, then customize treatment plans to meet your unique needs. Then, they combine a caring and compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort and deliver accurate results. They offer dental sedation, so if you have a toothache, you don’t have to wait for relief. You can request an appointment on the website or call (603) 228-0123.