Nothing quite gets your attention like tooth pain. It can range from a sharp, stabbing sensation to a dull, throbbing pain that won’t let up. Whatever type of tooth pain you are experiencing, you will definitely want to have it checked out as soon as possible. Learn more about tooth pain and contact Liberia Dental Care today.
Tooth Decay
Even if you are keeping up with regular brushing and flossing at home, your mouth still contains millions and millions of bacteria. Over time, bacteria can form a sticky substance that adheres to the surface of the teeth. This bacteria can secrete acidic substances that cause damage to your teeth and allow bacteria entry into the soft tissues of your tooth.
Fortunately, when tooth decay is detected early it can be successfully treated, often with something as simple as a dental filling. If you suspect that you are developing tooth decay, be sure to make an appointment right away so that we can check it out for you and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. It is more common than you may realize, affecting almost half of all adults.
Some symptoms of gum disease include gums that are red, tender and swollen. As the disease progresses, you may find that your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss.
The good news is that gum disease is reversible when detected early. That is why it is so important to make a dental appointment as soon as you notice any signs or symptoms consistent with this condition.
Tooth Injury
Another possible cause of tooth pain is trauma that has affected the tooth. This could be any type of fall, collision or sports-related accident. If you suspect that your pain is due to a tooth injury, particularly if the tooth is now loose, contact your dentist immediately or seek out the care of an emergency dentist if your regular dentist is unavailable.
Abscessed Tooth
A dental abscess is a type of bacterial infection that develops and forms a pocket of pus in the area. The related inflammation can press on nerves in the area, making this condition extremely painful. An abscess can develop for a number of reasons and affect both the involved tooth and adjacent teeth or surrounding bone.
A tooth abscess may develop because of an infection in the gums. In this case, it will not typically affect the tooth or its supporting structures.
Another type of abscess may develop at the tip of the root due to the spreading of bacteria within the tooth that reaches the dental pulp through a cavity or fracture. Once bacteria has invaded the dental pulp, it can rapidly spread to the tooth root and develop into a tooth abscess.
The Bottom Line
If you are experiencing tooth pain, you should contact your dentist right away. At Liberia Dental Care, we offer an array of dental services to assist patients of all ages. Contact us at 730-260-1200. We happily accept new patients and many insurances.