What Does My Toothache Mean?

Do you have an ache in one or more of your teeth? What do this pain and sensitivity mean? In today’s blog, we’re looking at when Albuquerque, NM, residents should seek care for their toothaches. From tooth decay to dental infection, a number of different issues could lead to pain in your smile.

Teeth Grinding

With bruxism, a patient grinds his or her teeth, or clenches the jaw, on a regular basis. Persistent teeth grinding and jaw clenching place enormous pressure on the teeth. Over time, this could mean the tooth enamel becomes worn and damaged, or that the teeth suffer cracks and chips. The inner structure is then exposed to bacteria, allowing cavities to form. You may experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches due to damaged enamel and cavities, and the pain could indicate the need for treatment. Other warning signs of bruxism include headaches, jaw pain, and discomfort in the face or neck. If you begin to experience these warning signs, let us know. We may be able to offer relief with a custom-made oral appliance.

Sinus and Allergy Pain

For many people, sinus infections and allergy issues could lead to sharp aches and pain in the teeth. Tooth sensitivity is also common. However, these aches often pass after a few hours. If you have regular aches due to allergy and sinus issues, then you may need to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible medications. However, if the pain continues for 48 hours then you may have an issue that requires a dentist’s attention, and possibly treatment.

Tooth Decay and Dental Infection

The most common cause of toothache is tooth decay. A cavity forms when bacteria is no longer held back by tooth enamel and reaches the inner tooth structure., known as dentin. As the resulting cavity spreads, the discomfort and sensitivity in your tooth increase. When you see us for treatment, we may stop the progression of cavities in one visit by using a lifelike dental filling, which matches your tooth’s appearance.

However, if the pain is not addressed and the decay continues to spread, an infection may arise. A dental infection leads to more substantial discomfort, including pain when eating. The risk of losing the tooth increases, and you may need a root canal to remove the infected tissue and restore your smile’s health and beauty. Don’t ignore any persistent pain in your tooth, schedule a consultation so we can identify the cause and if necessary, offer a solution.

Do You Have an Ache in Your Tooth?

At Snow Park Dental, Dr. Mark A. Miller and our team help restore the health and comfort of your smile with restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today at (505) 596-4479 to schedule a consultation and find the right treatment for cavities at Albuquerque, NM, office. We welcome patients and families from Rio Rancho, Tijeras, Los Lunas, and all surrounding communities.

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