Don’t Ignore a Toothache

Your tooth is trying to tell you something. It’s time you listen.

ToothacheTeeth are amazingly strong. After all, they are made from enamel, which is the strongest element found in the human body. Of course, this doesn’t mean that teeth can’t become damaged. When problems arise often times the tooth will let you know by causing you pain. If you have a toothache this is something that should not go ignored. In fact, this means you should visit our Vancouver, WA, dentist Dr. Jill Markos as soon as possible.

There are many reasons why your tooth may be causing you issues but by and large the problem will not go away on its own. In fact, most dental issues will only get worse if left untreated.

What is going on?

One of the most common causes of a toothache is a cavity. This is why it’s a good idea to visit your general dentist in Vancouver, WA, right away if you are experiencing dental pain. It could also be a warning sign that the dental pulp, the inside of the tooth, is infected or inflamed. This will require root canal therapy to properly treat the tooth.

Other causes of a toothache include:

  • A broken dental filling
  • Gum disease
  • Cracked tooth
  • Infected tooth
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Most of these situations require immediate medical care, as they have the potential to cause more serious complications.

Of course it’s also important to understand when it’s time to see a dentist. Even if the pain seems minor, it’s still pain and it needs to be properly evaluated by a dental professional. If you notice any other symptoms along with the toothache it’s also important that you let us know when you call our office. This will help us better determine whether you should come in the very same day for treatment or within a day or two.

Other symptoms that may accompany your toothache include:

  • Pain or sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Pain when chewing
  • Pain when putting pressure on the tooth
  • Gum tenderness, swelling or bleeding
  • Chronic bad breath
  • The presence of a pimple-like growth on the gums (an abscess)

If you are experiencing a toothache with or without these symptoms above it’s best to play it safe and call our Vancouver, WA, dental office today. Let us know what’s going on and we will get you in as soon as we possibly can, because nothing is more important than the health of your smile.

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