Over time, tooth enamel is worn down and cannot regrow because it is a nonliving substance. Because enamel is worn down as you age, from improper brushing habits, or from improper flossing, tooth decay commonly sets in. Toothaches are caused by problems associated with tooth decay, such as a cracked tooth or cavity.
Home Remedies
Before calling to make an appointment with the dentist, you can try some home remedies first to ensure that a toothache is not just a minor irritation. First, try rinsing the mouth with warm water. Gently use dental floss or dental tape to clean between the teeth. Sometimes minor toothaches are caused by a piece of food that has become wedged between two teeth. If rinsing and flossing do not offer some relief, try applying an over-the-counter pain medication or numbing agent to the affected tooth. Avoid putting pain relievers such as aspirin directly against the gum to dissolve because this can damage gum tissue. A toothache that persists for more than a day is often a sign of a much larger problem, so contact a dentist and make an appointment if this is the case.
Cavity Treatment
Tooth decay, which leads to toothaches, often occurs as a result of improper dental care. Improper care allows acids and other bacteria to remain in the mouth and come into contact with the teeth. Over time, these acids and bacteria eat away at the enamel on the teeth, sometimes all the way down to the tooth root, or nerve. This can cause a great deal of tooth pain that must be addressed by a dentist.
Treatment for cavities begins with an examination by the dentist. The dentist examines the tooth for any soft spots. Next, an X ray is taken to determine the depth of the tooth decay. There are three types of cavities that are classified by the depth of the decay present: a smooth surface cavity, a pit and fissure, or a root cavity. After determining the extent of the tooth decay, the dentist will select the best option for treatment. For a minor degree of tooth decay, dentists may suggest a simple fluoride treatment that can help minor cavities repair themselves. For moderate tooth decay, the best treatment is a filling or crown. In both procedures, the decayed area of the tooth is removed through drilling and a material is put in its place that resembles enamel. For severe tooth decay that cannot be saved by a root canal, total tooth extraction is recommended. Tooth extraction involves removal of the tooth in its entirety, and it is recommended that the patient receive a dental implant to put in the tooth's place to avoid shifting of other teeth in the mouth.
Abscessed Tooth Treatment
An abscessed tooth, another common cause of a toothache, occurs as a result of severe tooth decay. Abscesses in the tooth are identified through a dental examination and X ray and are usually treated with a root canal. Root canals are performed only on severely decayed teeth that can still be useful after repair. Otherwise, severe decay requires complete tooth extraction. After identifying the abscessed tooth, the dentist drills and removes the decayed areas that include the enamel and pulp. After removal of the infected materials, the root canal is cleaned and filled with a substance resembling enamel. The tooth is then crowned to make it stronger.
Tags: tooth decay, root canal, tooth decay, abscessed tooth, between teeth, enamel worn