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Beyond the Cavity: Other Surprising Causes for Your Tooth Pain

Sometimes your tooth just hurts. You’re not sure why exactly. Well, there is a reason. And, it might surprise you why. Most people believe that most pain is caused by a cavity. But, it can be a number of different things.

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Tooth Sensitivity

If you’re having sharp pains when you eat or drink hot and cold foods, it’s not a coincidence. There’s a problem. You could have a cavity, but it might be a sign you have sensitive teeth or you damaged your gum or something at the enamel level of the tooth.

While waiting for a dental appointment, use a soft bristled toothbrush to ease the symptoms. If it only happens with certain foods or when you eat certain textures, then you might have damaged your gum, enamel, or exposed the dentin or underlying tooth structure. You could be hitting a nerve with your tooth.

Some Toothaches Are More Severe

If you’re experiencing a sharp pain, or a stabbing pain when you bite down on food, this is more severe. It may be a cracked tooth, or a cavity. If it’s throbbing, then you may have an abscessed tooth. It could also be an infection mucking things up in your mouth.

If you do end up with an infection, or unrelenting pain, go to a 24 hour dentist In Houston immediately. Severe pain is a sign of a very serious problem which must be dealt with right away.

It Might Not Be Your Teeth

Unbelievable, right? It might not be your teeth. If your upper teeth on both sides of your face are in pain, it could be sinusitis. This kind of toothache is usually accompanied with nasal congestion and a tenderness in and around your sinus area.

If you think this is the problem, go see a doctor (a medical doctor) and try to be it diagnosed and taken care of

If the pain is more in the jaw area, then it may be temporomandibular problems — a problem with the temporomandibular joint. This should be taken care of with your dentist. Usually he or she will fit you with a retainer and it should solve the problem or at least take care of a lot of the pain. Over time, you should notice an improvement in your condition.

See Your Dentist

When in doubt, go see your dentist. Toothaches are not always severe, or even all that noticeable. But, even intermittent pain might seem like an inconvenience and then may turn out to be serious. Waiting until the pain gets worse is usually not the best option. Whatever the type and severity, it’s best to get into a dentist’s office and sit in the chair. Let them take a look at the issue.

Maybe it’s something minor. But, maybe it’s something that requires major surgery. It’s not a pleasant thought. But, the alternative is more pain and more serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and even a stroke or septicemia.

Anne Stewart has worked as a receptionist at her local dental clinic since before her kids were born. Over the years she has built up her dentistry knowledge and likes to share that knowledge with others.

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