MASCOT
DENTAL SURGERY: Ph: 8338 8111 :
| : LIVERPOOL DENTAL SURGERY: 9821
4480
Emergency
Dentist in Sydney
Toothache
Emergency
What
is toothache?
The
most common cause of toothache, or pain in the region of the
jaws and face, is pulpitis - inflammation of the pulp of the
tooth. The short, sharp pains usually occur in response to hot,
cold or sweet stimuli.
If
left untreated, the pulp dies and becomes infected, leading
to the formation of a dental abscess. The pain from a dental
abscess tends to be in response to pressure on the tooth, and
is throbbing and continuous.
What
causes toothache?
•
Dental decay.
• A fracture of the tooth.
• A cracked tooth. This may be invisible and so can be
difficult to diagnose.
• Irritation of the pulp following dental treatment. Regardless
of how well it is done, dental treatment and the materials used
to fill the tooth can sometimes cause pain later.
• An exposed tooth root, which can occur if the gums recede
or are damaged by over-vigorous brushing.
The following problems can also cause symptoms similar to toothache,
even though the teeth themselves may be free of disease:
• an abscess in the gum (lateral periodontal abscess).
• ulceration of the gums (acute ulcerative gingivitis).
• ulceration of the soft tissues can sometimes be mistaken
for toothache.
• inflammation of the gum around a tooth which is in the
process of growing/breaking through (pericoronitis).
• inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis) can be mistaken
for toothache in the upper jaw.
Several other conditions may also cause pain in the mouth -
always seek advice from your dentist if you have toothache.
It
is worth remembering that the nerves supplying the teeth sometimes
give the wrong message to the brain. This means that, although
you feel pain in a particular tooth, the problem may actually
be in a different tooth - even one located in the opposite jaw.
How
can toothache be avoided?
The
best way to prevent toothache is to keep your teeth and gums
healthy. Try to avoid cavities by reducing your intake of sugary
foods and drinks - have them as an occasional treat, and at
mealtimes only.
Brush
your teeth twice daily using a toothpaste containing fluoride.
To get the most benefit from the fluoride, do not rinse the
toothpaste away after brushing.
Clean
between your teeth using dental floss, woodsticks or an inter-dental
brush according to your dentist's advice. Visit your dentist
regularly. This way, problems can be diagnosed early and your
treatment will be more straightforward.
What
should I do if I have toothache?
If
you have toothache, seek immediate advice from your dentist
before the problem becomes severe.
Pulpitis
is often reversible and, once your dentist has identified and
treated the problem (usually with a simple filling), the toothache
will disappear. A dental abscess will require extraction of
the tooth or a more complicated filling (root canal treatment
) if the tooth is to be saved.
However,
the following advice may be helpful until you are able to see
your dentist:
• avoid hot, cold or sweet stimuli. This will help prevent
pain from pulpitis.
• if the pain is prolonged and severe, painkillers such
as ibuprofen (eg Nurofen) may provide some relief. Remember
even if the pain goes away, without treatment it will eventually
become worse.
• if the pain is caused by exposed root surfaces, toothpaste
for sensitive teeth, either used normally or rubbed onto the
exposed root, may be helpful.
• a hot saltwater mouthwash (a teaspoon of salt to a cup
of water) used to thoroughly rinse the painful area may help
if the problem is caused by a tooth erupting.
• a saltwater mouthwash can also prevent infection if
you have mouth ulcers.
• visit your dentist as soon as possible. This way any
treatment will be simple.
If
you require any more information on EMERGENCY DENTISTRY
IN SYDNEY please do not hesitate to contact us
If
you require any more information on COSMETIC DENTISTRY
IN SYDNEY please do not hesitate to contact us.
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