Pain in the teeth and surrounding areas is a common problem. Unfortunately, many people ignore toothache until the pain becomes intolerable, at which point they visit their local accident and emergency services rather than the dentist.
This is said to cost the NHS around £18 million every year. Lots of people are nervous about going to the dentist, and hope that toothache will go away of its own accord. However, visiting the dentist at the first sign of any pain in the tooth can save a lot of time and discomfort; as well as preventing further and more complicated problems with the tooth.
Why do people get pain in their teeth?
Toothache can be caused by a variety of different factors. The kind of pain experienced can also vary, as can whether the discomfort is continuous or sporadic. Tooth decay is the most common cause of pain; but it can also be caused by fillings falling out; and broken teeth.
What can be done about tooth pain?
It is important to make an appointment with a good dentist as soon as possible after the pain has started. Taking immediate action means that the issue can be dealt with quickly with a minimum of intervention from the dentist.
If the pain has been caused by decay, the part of the tooth that has deteriorated will be taken out – and it is restored with a filling. Most dentists use an amalgam to fill the teeth, which is a combination of different metals that are designed to be durable and long lasting. Depending on where the filling has to go, the dentist may offer a white one to match the other teeth.
Toothache that has been caused by fillings coming loose is easily resolved. The dentist simply replaces the missing hardware and the pain should dissipate.
Sometimes, the pulp inside of a tooth has developed an infection. In these cases, the best treatment is usually root canal. Once the infection has been removed, the toothache should stop.
People who break their teeth through eating, contact sports, or some kind of other physical activity usually find that it causes pain. A good dentist can offer a range of treatment options, depending on how much (if any) of the tooth is remaining and the condition of the jaw bone.
Best ways to avoid toothache
The easiest way to avoid having pain related to the teeth is to practice good oral hygiene. Cleaning and flossing (or using interdental brushes) twice daily is vitally important. Avoiding or stopping smoking makes a vast difference to the health of the teeth and gums. People who want to avoid pain in their teeth and gums should also keep a careful eye on their diet; limiting the consumption of sugar laden foods and drinks.
Regular visits to a good dentist for a check up can help people to keep the teeth and gums as clean as possible. Making an appointment for every six months or so means that the dentist can also spot potential problems before they occur; minimising the risk of long term issues with the teeth and gums.
