You may not think of toothaches as being very serious. However, toothaches stem from a variety of causes. Thus, determining the seriousness of a toothache depends very much upon its diagnosis. As a general rule, your Ankeny IA dentist, Dr. Amanda Foust, recommends seeking dental assistance if you have a toothache that lingers for several days, as toothaches that last for a longer duration are more likely to have a serious cause. For example, one of the most common causes of toothaches is the presence of an irritant (perhaps a food particle) between teeth. Over time, the food particle will eventually be removed, probably through brushing or flossing, and thus the toothache will fade away. However, toothaches that do not fade are more likely to be the result of a serious oral health problem.
Diagnosing Your Toothache
If you want to determine the seriousness of your toothache, a great first step is to brush and floss your teeth. By cleaning your teeth, you can remove an irritant from between your teeth, relieving your toothache if an irritant is indeed the cause. If you do not experience relief, a more serious oral health problem could be the culprit. Some common toothache causes include a cracked tooth, tooth decay, and even bruxism (teeth grinding). The symptoms of each of these causes are listed below.
- Cracked tooth. A cracked tooth may ache dully, but it is likely to produce a sharp pain during a bite. The sharp pain occurs because the crack widens when the tooth is compressed and then narrows rapidly when the pressure on the tooth is released. The rapid narrowing of the crack yields a quick jolt of pain.
- . A tooth affected by tooth decay may be distinguished in a couple of ways. It may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and is also likely to be sensitive to pressure.
- Bruxism. Bruxism will often produce sensitivity in teeth, especially in the mornings. Bruxism typically occurs at night, when the sleeper is unaware of the damage he or she is inflicting. Therefore, it is not uncommon for teeth to be sensitive in the morning following several hours of clenching and grinding.
General Dentistry in Ankeny IA
If you have a toothache that continues to persist, you may be in need of dental assistance. Both knowledgeable and experienced, Dr. Foust can help you determine the cause behind your toothache and restore your oral health. Dr. Foust strives to provide her patients with top-of-the-line dental care in a relaxing and compassionate environment for a great overall experience.
About Dr. Amanda Foust
Dr. Amanda Foust is a graduate of the University of Iowa School of Dentistry. She opened Dental Impressions of Ankeny in 2006 and has since strived to bring quality dental care to area families.
