A toothache can come on slowly or suddenly and often causes serious pain and discomfort if left untreated. However, this unfortunate condition is treatable with the help of your dentist. Dr. Michael Pugh of Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL offers various procedures for diagnosing the cause of and treating toothaches. Find out more about toothaches and what you can do about them.

What causes a toothache? 
Toothaches can occur due to various situations. When the nerve, which sends pain signals to the brain, becomes damaged or irritated, you feel it as a toothache. Often, a toothache is a result of tooth decay reaching the tooth’s inner pulp chamber which houses the blood vessels and nerve. However, the nerve can also become damaged by injury or trauma to the tooth. Bruxism (tooth grinding), gum disease, or an abnormal bite can also cause a toothache. Underlying conditions like TMJ disorder cause toothaches due to the tension placed onto the jaw by the condition.

How are toothaches treated? 
If you have a toothache, you should schedule an oral examination with your dentist immediately. If a toothache is a result of tooth decay, you will most likely need a root canal. This procedure allows your dentist to preserve the structure of the tooth by removing its contents, cleaning out the infection, and restoring the strength of the tooth with a dental crown. If a toothache is a result of an injury or trauma, your dentist will repair the tooth to relieve the pain. Toothaches caused by an underlying condition require treatment of the condition itself.

Preventing Toothaches in Huntsville, AL 
Preventing toothaches is easy with proper oral hygiene. You should see your dentist at least twice a year for regular examinations and cleanings. These appointments will help keep your teeth healthy and clean and allow your dentist to treat existing conditions early before a toothache ever occurs. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once to maintain the results of your regular cleanings.

For more information on toothaches or routine dental examinations, please contact Dr. Michael Pugh at Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL. Call (256) 536-3386 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Pugh today!

Whether it comes on slowly over time or occurs overnight, toothaches can seriously hinder your daily life. In cases of a toothache, fast diagnosis and treatment is often the ideal option. With help from your Huntsville, AL dentist, you can have your damaged or painful tooth repaired and get back to a healthy, happy and pain-free smile.

How do toothaches occur?

• Decay: When bacteria collect on the teeth, plaque and tartar form. This decay eats into the tooth’s upper layers, eventually reaching the tooth’s pulp and nerve. When the nerve is exposed or damaged by decay, a toothache occurs.
• Abscessed tooth: Abscessed teeth go hand in hand with advanced tooth decay. When a tooth becomes severely infected, an abscess forms. Abscesses cause severe pain and sensitivity. They also often cause the gums around the tooth to become inflamed and swollen. A sore may form, which drains from the side of the gum tissue.
• Teeth grinding: The pressure from tooth grinding wears down the teeth. This type of toothache does not necessarily occur in one single tooth, but in a group of teeth. Patients often complain of a dull ache with sensitivity to hot and cold.
• Gum disease: Gum disease like gingivitis or periodontitis occurs from a buildup of plaque on the teeth which reaches the gum. This results in pain in or around the teeth and bleeding, swollen or irritated gum tissue.
• Damaged filling: A dental filling protects the tooth’s root. When the filling is cracked or damaged, the root becomes exposed, causing a toothache.
• Fracture: When a tooth is broken or fractured, the nerve and pulp of the tooth become damaged and/or exposed.

What should I do if I have a toothache? 
If a toothache is severe or you notice oozing from a sore, you should seek help from your dentist immediately. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen temporarily decrease pain, but do not treat the root problem. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist if your toothache lasts longer than 2 days or is accompanied by a fever or earache, or if you experience pain while opening your mouth.

For more information on toothaches, please contact Dr. Michael Pugh, DMD at Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL. Call (256) 536-3386 to schedule your appointment today.