It might start out as a mild irritation but if left untreated, a toothache can lead to much more serious health issues, including infections in other areas of the face and possibly even in the bloodstream. Read on to learn more about what can cause a toothache, what symptoms to look for, as well as treatment options and prevention tips.

For more information on preventative and emergency dentistry, contact the top Los Angeles Dentist, Samaritan Dental Arts.

What Can Cause a Toothache?

There are several minor and potentially major causes of a toothache. You might experience minor pain from repetitive motions like constantly chewing gum or even grinding your teeth while you sleep. If you have neglected your dental health, you may develop a toothache from decay, infected gums, an abscessed tooth, a damaged filling or even a tooth fracture.

At first, you might notice some redness or even slight pain when you chew or when pressure is applied to the tooth. In severe cases, the pain could be constant and throbbing, there might be swelling around the affected area, you could experience a headache or fever and you could even have an awful tasting substance draining from the infected area. You should immediately see a dental professional if you experience severe pain for more than a couple of days or if you have a fever, ear ache or severe pain when you open your mouth.

Treatment Options

It is so important to see a dental professional if you are experiencing severe tooth pain. Don’t ignore the signs or you could suffer greater health issues if the infection spreads to your blood stream or other areas of your body.

A dentist will check your medical history and need to know when and how the pain began. Based on your medical history and the answers to your health questions, they can then examine your mouth and check your teeth, gums, jaw, tongue, throat, sinuses, ears, nose and neck. They may also take X-rays to get a better look at what could be causing your pain.

Treatment options will vary depending on the cause and the severity of the pain. In severe cases, if the infection has spread and you are suffering from a fever or swelling, an antibiotic will need to be prescribed. If a simple cavity is the issue, the dentist will fill it or possibly extract the tooth if necessary. If the nerve of the tooth is infected, you might need a root canal.

Prevention Tips

The first line of defense is really to maintain good oral hygiene on a regular basis. Most tooth pain begins with tooth decay so make sure you are brushing and flossing daily, regularly rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash, and visiting your dentist twice a year to have your teeth cleaned and examined.

If you suffer from tooth pain or any other dental issue, contact the professionals at Samaritan Dental Arts. They are open on Saturdays and offer evening appointments. You can easily schedule an appointment online. You can also fill out the necessary forms, meet the team of professionals and view a complete list of services. They offer flexible payment options and a caring staff ready to help ease your fears.

Los Angeles Dentist

Don’t take your dental health for granted and don’t ignore that toothache. It might seem like a minor inconvenience now, but if left untreated, you could develop a serious infection that could impact your overall health. If you’ve neglected your oral health and haven’t seen a dentist in years, don’t wait another day. Make your appointment with the top Los Angeles dentist, Samaritan Dental Arts today.