According to the American Dental Association, for most adults and kids, tooth decay is the leading cause of tooth pain or toothaches. Bacteria inside the mouth live on starches and sugars from the foods you consume. These come from plaque that easily clings to the teeth surfaces. Further, the acids that plaque bacteria produce could eat away at the enamel, resulting in cavities.
If you’re having tooth pain and are unsure why, you can consult with your dentist Dr. Shirley Santos in Tustin, CA, for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What May Be Causing Your Toothache
Among the first warning signs of decay include a feeling of pain or extreme sensitivity when eating something very hot, very cold, or sweet. In some cases, decay may present as a white or brown spot on a tooth. Other tooth pain causes include the following:
- Infection or inflammation in the gums or the tooth root
- Buildup of debris and food between the teeth, particularly if there are spaces in between
- Sudden fracture to the tooth root or tooth
- Trauma, including grinding or injury to the tooth
- Teeth that begin to erupt, like a normal wisdom tooth or an impacted one
- A split or crack in a tooth
Self-Care for Tooth Pain
Until your consultation with your dentist in Tustin, CA, consider these tips to help ease your tooth pain:
- Rinse your mouth using warm water and some salt.
- Use floss from getting rid of plaque or food debris wedges between the teeth.
- Take an OTC pain medication to alleviate pain and inflammation. Keep in mind though that you shouldn’t place a painkiller or aspirin on your gums since it might burn the gum tissue and worsen your pain.
- If trauma is the cause of your tooth pain, apply an ice pack or cold compress to your cheek.
When to Visit Your Dentist
Contact or visit your dentist as soon as possible if you’re experiencing tooth pain and the following symptoms:
- Pain that doesn’t go away or get better for more than two days
- Infection signs, including pain whenever you bite, swelling, foul-smelling and tasting discharge and breath, and/or red gums
Need Relief from Tooth Pain? We Can Help
Dial (714) 368-0222 to reach Shirley Santos, DDS, Inc. here in Tustin, CA, and arrange an appointment with our dentist Dr. Shirley Santos.