While a toothache could sometimes be related to sinus or allergy issues, or simply changes in elevation, a persistent ache in one or more teeth could point to the presence of a cavity or possibly even an infected tooth! In today’s blog, your Baxter, MN, dentist talks about the causes of a toothache, and when you should see our team for an emergency visit!
What Does a Toothache Mean?
An aching tooth could point to the presence of a cavity, or possibly the early stages of an infection. Our teeth are coated in a thin but strong layer of enamel, which protects our teeth from damage. However, should the outer enamel become compromised, this could allow harmful bacteria to reach the sensitive inner dentin, causing a cavity. Once bacteria come into contact with the pulp, the tooth becomes infected. The enamel could also weaken as a result of plaque buildup, which happens when bacteria consume food particles trapped on or between the teeth. The issue could arise if teeth become chipped or cracked, even if the damage looks minor at first glance.
Treatment with Emergency Care
If you begin to experience pain, let us know. We will schedule a time to see you and examine your smile. If we find a cavity, then we can likely treat the issue in a single visit with a lifelike dental filling. If the decay is more substantial, then we may need to create and place a custom-made dental crown. For an infection, a root canal procedure could remove the infected tissue. When you arrive, you will have the waiting room area to yourself, and we will be cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces in between each visit.
Preventing Tooth Decay
To avoid issues like cavities or infection, we suggest taking time to care for your smile each day. Start things off in the morning by brushing your teeth for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste. Repeat before bed that night. Before bed, you also need to floss up and down each side of every tooth, which removes what a toothbrush cannot reach. We also urge people to cut back on sugary foods and drinks which feed harmful bacteria and increase the severity of plaque buildup in the process. If you have any questions about caring for your smile from home, or about our approach to emergency dentistry, then contact our team today. We want to make sure you and your family continue to enjoy optimal oral health!
Greenhaven Family Dental Provides Emergency Dentistry
Greenhaven Family Dental is ready to help you and your family make better choices for your oral health. If you’d like to learn more about safeguarding your family’s smiles, you can contact Greenhaven Family Dental in Baxter, MN at 218-454-0523.