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Can a Cavity Cause Jaw Pain?

General Dentistry,

Cavities, otherwise known as dental caries, are one of the most common dental problems around the world and one of the most common reasons people visit a dentist. Cavities develop when the acids produced by bacteria in plaque erode the enamel of your teeth. People usually associate cavities with tooth sensitivity and tooth pain. But can a cavity cause jaw pain as well? Continue reading to learn about the intricate connection between cavities and jaw pain.

 

Can a Cavity Cause Jaw Pain?

A cavity is a damaged area in the hard surface of your teeth. These areas become tiny holes that can cause extreme pain, infection, and tooth loss. Cavities start as small areas of enamel demineralization. If not addressed in a timely manner, the cavity progresses to the dentin and the pulp. When the cavity reaches the pulp, it can cause significant pain and discomfort because the pulp contains nerves and blood vessels.

So the question is, will this pain travel to the jaw? To answer this, one must understand the anatomy of the teeth and their relationship with the jaw.

 

The Link Between Cavities and Jaw Pain

Nerve Irritation

Each one of your teeth is connected to the jawbone by the nerves that run through the roots of your tooth and into the jaw. When a cavity reaches the pulp, the nerves of the tooth will become irritated and inflamed. This pain can then radiate to the jaw and its surrounding areas.

 

Infection and Abscesses

Without treatment, bacteria in the cavity can infiltrate the pulp and cause an infection. This infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, including the jawbone, and create a dental abscess, a pocket of pus that forms as a result of bacterial infection. Abscesses cause intense throbbing pain in the affected tooth, gums, and jaw.

 

Referred Pain

Because the nerves in your mouth are interconnected, inflammation in one area can send pain signals in another. This is why pain from a cavity may not be localized to that tooth but is “referred” to other areas of the face or jaw.

 

Bruxism or Teeth Grinding

Cavities can cause a misaligned or uneven bite, which can lead to unknowingly and unintentionally grinding teeth. This grinding is known as bruxism. It can occur while one is awake or asleep and stresses the jaw muscles and joints, eventually leading to pain and discomfort.

 

Temporomandibular Joint Involvement

The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull. You have two temporomandibular joints, one on each side of the jaw. Severe tooth pain or infection can affect your jaw movement. In turn, this restricted movement may strain the temporomandibular joint and cause jaw pain, stiffness, and even headaches.

 

Symptoms to Watch For

You may notice some of the following symptoms when you have a cavity and are experiencing jaw pain.

  • Persistent, dull, or sharp toothache
  • Painful biting or chewing
  • Swelling in the jaw or gums
  • Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
  • An unpleasant taste in the mouth (a sign of an abscess)
  • Difficulty opening and closing your mouth

If these symptoms persist or worsen, or if jaw pain is accompanied by swelling or fever, immediately visit your dentist for proper treatment.

 

How to Prevent Jaw Pain from Cavities

The best way to avoid cavity-related jaw pain is to practice good dental hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Follow the tips below to protect yourself from cavities and ensure your oral health.

Brush and Floss Regularly: If you cannot brush after every meal, at least brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Do not go to sleep without having brushed your teeth.  Floss once or twice daily to prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and cavities.

Use Mouthwash: A good antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and kill harmful bacteria.

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Avoid sugary and acidic foods. Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamins to strengthen your teeth.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleanings can ensure your teeth are healthy and free from plaque buildup. Your dentist can also catch dental issues early on and address them before they become full-blown problems.

 

Consult a Dentist in Los Angeles

Cavities can cause jaw pain, especially if the decay has reached the deeper layers of the tooth or if an infection is present. By practicing good oral hygiene, regularly visiting your dentist, and promptly addressing tooth pain, you can protect your teeth and prevent cavity-related jaw pain from disrupting your daily life.

Whether your tooth pain is accompanied by jaw pain or not, a reputable dentist can help you manage your pain and address the problem. Schedule a consultation with Samaritan Dental today to relieve your dental pain.

Three fruit smoothies viewed from above

Are Fruit Smoothies Bad for Your Teeth?

Preventive Dentistry, , ,

Everyone knows that you are supposed to eat a healthy serving of fruits and vegetables each day. But with so many different food products to choose from and so many raw substances to eat, it can be impossible to get a full dose in every day. That is why a lot of people resort to making smoothies. But are fruit smoothies bad for your teeth?

Are Fruit Smoothies Bad for Your Teeth?

Combining fruit, veggies, and other healthy ingredients in a blender with some ice can create an instant breakfast. These refreshing, creamy drinks can be the perfect meal when you’re on the go. They bring a lot of advantages, but there are some pitfalls too. For example, are fruit smoothies bad for your teeth? Your local DTLA dentist explains it all below.

The Antioxidant Answer

Smoothies have been popular breakfast items for a long while. People can’t seem to get enough of the sweet flavor and the burst of healthy vitamins and supplements that you are putting in your body all while enjoying a delicious treat. Perhaps the biggest advantage you can get from drinking smoothies is an increase in antioxidants, which can strengthen your immune system and help you fight disease.

There’s just one problem: Fruit juices and blended ingredients are very high in sugar and acid. These two things can break down the surface layers of your teeth, causing your mouth to become more susceptible to infection. Next time you reach for the blender, consider taking some oral hygiene steps to prevent too much damage from happening at once.

Wear and Tear on the Teeth

Sugar and acid can erode the enamel on your tooth, which is the outermost layer keeping it protected from the elements. As you eat more ascorbic acid and sugar, your teeth become weaker and weaker. Eventually, this can lead to rapid decay, tooth loss, and oral disease.

But don’t worry, this does not mean you have to give up your favorite fruity blended drink! The health benefits they bring to the whole body are too great to ignore. But you should try to invest in oral health hygiene to prevent acid buildup and the breakdown of your enamel.

Practicing Precautions While Enjoying Your Smoothie

Don’t give up the blended fruits and veggies! Just be more cautious. Here are some tips you can follow to keep your teeth strong and protected against natural sugars and acids:

  • Eat with your smoothie. Eat other foods along with your smoothie so your teeth aren’t constantly under attack by the acids in your drink. Try not to drink the smoothie slowly throughout the day either.
  • Brush before and after you drink it. Make sure your teeth are cleaned and protected before you indulge in a sugary smoothie. And as soon as you are done, give your teeth another brush!
  • Drink through a straw. A smoothie is just as delicious when you drink it through a straw. Plus, you can avoid the smoothie material touching your teeth while you drink.
  • Reduce citric acids. Citrus is great for your smoothie, but try reducing the amount of orange juice you add to your next smoothie. Just give your teeth a little bit of a break.

You can continue enjoying healthy smoothies without ruining your daily routine. But remember to take extra care of your teeth so you don’t deal with prolonged dental issues later down the line.

Avoid Cavities and Stay Healthy for the Future!

Drinking smoothies can become a dangerously yummy habit. While these drinkable meals are stuffed full of healthy fruits, vegetables, and vitamins, they are a lot healthier for your body than they are for your teeth. Too much sugar and acid could cause decay, leading to infection and cavities. Reach out to your trusted dentist today to learn more about cavity treatment in DTLA and find out how you can have the best daily health regime!

Woman holding hand against jaw, pained expression

Leaving a Cavity Untreated: Bad Idea

General Dentistry, , ,

Everybody knows that cavities are bad news. But something so common can’t truly be that bad, right? It is so easy to get fillings nowadays, but for a lot of people that takes away an understanding of just how dangerous cavities can be. Essentially, leaving a cavity untreated: Bad idea!

The longer you leave a cavity untreated, the more susceptible you are to decay, rot, and infection. Here is what your local DTLA dentist wants you to know about the dangers of leaving tooth cavities unattended.

Leaving a Cavity Untreated: Gateway for Infection

Cavities come from bacteria and plaque that builds upon the teeth after eating certain foods. If you don’t brush your teeth every day, that plaque will continue to build and can eventually get into the inner layers of your tooth. This creates a pocket of decay, also known as a cavity.

If this decay spreads to your bloodstream or the roots of your tooth, you may experience symptoms of pain and swelling. This is a sign that your cavity has caused an infection, which must be treated right away before it spreads further.

Broken Teeth Abound

If a cavity does not cause an infection, it can still spread throughout your tooth and weaken it from the inside out. As your tooth rots and decays, it will fall apart and crack easily. This cavity can spread to your other teeth, making them brittle as well. In order to save your natural tooth, you must get in touch with your trusted dentist right away. In some cases, treating a cavity can even mean the difference between life and death.

Continuing Complications

Untreated tooth cavities can cause an increasing number of health issues the longer it goes without care. You can suffer from the following complications of tooth cavities if you don’t visit your dental expert in a timely manner:

  • Sharp pain
  • Radiating pain
  • Infection around the tooth and gums
  • Swelling and redness
  • Tenderness in the mouth and cheeks
  • Trouble chewing or smiling
  • Increased risk of fracturing and breaking teeth
  • Tooth abscess

You should get in touch with your dentist at the first sign of the above symptoms. You should not be living with any kind of dental pain, and the discomfort you are experiencing as a result of this cavity is not normal. So, you need to seek your dental professional to learn what treatment and prevention measures need to be taken.

Deathly Consequences

An untreated cavity can have drastic results that can be so severe that they may even cause death. Cavities are a gateway to infection, which can spread fast the longer it goes untreated. As soon as an infection makes its way into your bloodstream, it can travel throughout the rest of your body, which has fatal consequences.

Without treating a cavity, you risk serious illness and death. Fortunately, modern cavity treatment is common and very accessible. Reach out to your dentist to learn more about treating your cavity and taking the pain away.

Get the Best Treatment for Your Cavity Today!

Cavities may be common, but that does not mean that they are nothing to worry about. A buildup of bad bacteria can cause pockets of your teeth to suffer from decay. If they are caught early enough, your dentist can add a filling that will save the integrity of your tooth and protect against further cavities. More severe cavities may need to be treated with a root canal or tooth extraction procedure.

Learn more about how you can treat your mouth to the best in dental healthcare at Samaritan Dental Arts. Call us today to schedule a consultation for cavity treatment at the first sign of tooth pain or discomfort. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Close-up of man brushing his tongue - should you be brushing your tongue?

Are You Supposed to be Brushing Your Tongue at Home?

Dental Care at Home, , , , , ,

When we think of dental hygiene, we often just think of brushing, flossing, and using the occasional mouthwash. However, did you know that scraping or brushing your tongue is just as important for having a healthy mouth? Here’s why you should add brushing your tongue to your daily routine and some effective ways of doing so. If you are looking for a dentist in downtown Los Angeles, look no further! Samaritan Dental is here for your general and cosmetic dentistry needs.

Why Brush Your Tongue?

Have you ever taken the time to feel your tongue? If you have, you’ve probably noticed that it’s full of tiny little bumps and troughs. Like your teeth, these troughs are a perfect spot for bacteria to collect. When bacteria collects here in these troughs, they end up being transferred to your teeth just by basic movement from eating or talking.

The result of this bacteria can be cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. In fact, not brushing your tongue is one of the main causes of bad breath in the dental hygiene world. By brushing or scraping your tongue, you rid yourself of this bacteria and the potential of harming your teeth and overall dental hygiene.

Benefits of Brushing Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush or scraping it with a proper tongue-scraping tool can improve your dental hygiene in a number of ways:

  • Sense of Taste. Scraping your tongue twice a day can actually improve your sense of taste. All that build-up of bacteria prevents your taste-buds from being able to distinguish between flavors. Making sure that bacteria gets cleared away leaves room for flavor to affect your buds effectively!
  • Gets Rid of Bad Breath. Brushing your tongue wipes away all that bacteria that’s building up in your mouth and causing bad breath. This can also improve your social skills, as most people try to avoid talking to those with bad breath.
  • Improves Tooth Decay. The bacteria on your tongue also causes tooth decay. This is because it’s easily transferable from tongue to the tooth when talking or eating. If you’ve got a cavity problem, scraping your tongue may just be the thing you need!
  • Appearance.  Another benefit of brushing your tongue is that it improves its appearance. When we have a build-up of bacteria on our tongue, it can make it appear white. This is quite alarming for some. Brushing your tongue will help restore your tongue to its rightful, natural color.

How To Brush Your Tongue

There are many ways to clean your tongue, but few that are most effective. Perhaps the most effective way is by using a special tongue scraper or the back of a toothbrush that already has a built-in exfoliating pad. With either tool, you’ll want to stick your tongue out of your mouth first and start at the back. If this causes you to gag, you may want to start in the middle of your tongue until you get used to the sensation.

Never, ever use the scraper from the tip of your tongue to the back. This only pushes the bacteria further into your mouth. After every scrape, you’ll want to wipe off any coating or debris on a cloth or rinse it off in the sink before proceeding. If you skip this step, you risk just putting the bacteria right back in your mouth. After you’ve scraped your whole tongue, wash the scraper with warm water and soap.

Brushing your tongue is an important part of your dental hygiene. To find out more about how you can improve your oral hygiene at home or set up a routine dental check-up, please visit Samaritan Dental or give us a call at 213-986-2933.

Close up portrait of cute little girl in Halloween costume holding pumpkin bucket outdoors at the park. Little girl child out for trick or treating on Halloween.

Candy Substitutes for Halloween

Pediatric Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry, , , , ,

 

Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, there are plenty of sweet treats to go around. This is also the time where many people may see a decline in their dental hygiene, with kids being the most susceptible to dental problems. For any dental needs you may have, including dental crowns in Los Angeles, be sure to talk to Samaritan Dental and schedule an appointment today.

Statistics About Halloween and Your Teeth

Halloween is a great time to dress up and enjoy some well-deserved treats, but it is important to know the risks involved with that sack full of candy. Because bacteria loves to feed off that sugar that you are feeding on, there is an increased risk of dental problems during the Halloween season, especially due to all the candy readily available. Three of the most prominent dental problems that are seen during Halloween are cavities, infected teeth, and gum disease. You may also experience problems with previous fillings and crowns that you have. Because of the increased risk to your dental health, be sure to contact a dental professional at the first sign of symptoms. Samaritan Dental can help you with all your dental needs, including dental crowns in Los Angeles.

Candy Alternatives for Halloween

There are many reasons why you may want to elect to give out substitutes for candy during Halloween this year, but the trick is to find an alternative that kids actually like. First, try giving them something other than an edible treat. It doesn’t say anywhere in the Halloween handbook that a “treat” is solely something you can eat. Things such as little toys, bouncy balls, mini flashlights, stickers, coloring books, bubbles, novelty gag gifts, and spooky jewelry are just some ideas for fun, non-candy treats. There are plenty of alternatives that are edible as well, including honey sticks, organic candy, trail mix, oranges, popcorn packs, pretzels, and even snack packs with a bunch of these things together. Ultimately, the goal is to find something with significantly less sugar so you are not adding to the problem, but also being something enjoyable that kids want. And the added benefit is that without the candy in the house, the adults are being better about their dental health as well.

Tips and Tricks to Keep Dental Health in Check During Halloween

According to the American Dental Association, there are a bunch of tips and tricks that you can use to be safer with your teeth this Halloween season.

  • Eating candy is alright as a treat, but be careful not to snack throughout the day, choose candy that doesn’t sit in your mouth for a long time, and eating your sweet treat directly after or during a meal will help cancel out the acids produced by bacteria that can harm your teeth.
  • If you are going to enjoy some candy during the Halloween season, be sure to maintain a healthy diet the rest of the time, drink more water than normal to prevent tooth decay, and do not tempt yourself by buying more candy than you need.
  • Two things you should avoid if you are going to treat yourself to candy is sugary drinks, such as soda and sports drinks, and sticky candy.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss once a day to be sure that sugar does not get more time to prey on your teeth.

Halloween can be an extremely fun time as long as you enjoy candy in moderation, and don’t take your teeth’s health for granted. Scheduling routine appointments with your dentist is a great way to make sure that you do not run into any tooth trouble. Samaritan Dental offers many services to help your family, including dental crowns in Los Angeles; contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your teeth as healthy as can be!

health people Dental and lifestyle concept - Teeth Problem. Woman Feeling Tooth Pain. Closeup Of Beautiful Sad Girl Suffering From Strong Tooth Pain. Attractive Female Feeling Painful Toothache

How Does the Tooth Decay Process Work?

Preventive Dentistry, , ,

Many people don’t realize that maintaining our dental health is an important part of maintaining our overall health. Problems such as gum disease and tooth decay can have a greater impact than many fully realize. Read on to learn more about how tooth decay happens and how you can treat it.

 

For more information about tooth decay, dental hygiene, and more complex dental treatments from a dentist in Downtown Los Angeles, visit Samaritan Dental Arts.

What Exactly is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay happens when the bacteria in the mouth produces acids that then eat away at the tooth itself. This is what causes cavities or literal holes in the tooth. If it remains untreated, this decay causes pain, infection and in extreme cases, tooth loss.

 

The tooth contains three layers. The center of the tooth contains blood vessels and nerves and is known as the pulp. The middle layer is known as dentin and the outer layer is called the enamel. If each layer is affected by the decay of these acids, the more severe the damage.

What are the Causes of Tooth Decay?

It’s not just bacteria that causes tooth decay. Food is also a culprit. Plaque is always forming on your teeth and gums. This clear, sticky plaque contains the bacteria that feed on the sugars in the foods we all love to it. As the bacteria feeds on these sugars, the acids form and attach the teeth for 20 minutes or more after you eat. As time goes on, the acids destroy that outer layer of enamel which causes the tooth to decay.

 

There are some factors that can make you more susceptible to tooth decay. Make sure you do the following to avoid the harmful effects of tooth decay.

 

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly and see your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups.

 

• Avoid foods high in sugar and other carbohydrates which will feed on the bacteria in your mouth.

 

• Make sure you get enough fluoride which helps to prevent decay by making teeth more resistant to the acids that produce plaque. Fluoride is added to most public water.

 

• Avoid dry mouth which can be caused by some medications or by simply breathing through your mouth. Make sure you have enough saliva to help wash the food and harmful sugars from your mouth which helps to protect your teeth.

 

• Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products.

Common in Children

It isn’t just adults that avoid the dentist who suffer from tooth decay. Children are also susceptible to tooth decay and are actually more likely than adults to suffer from it. The minerals in a child’s teeth are not as strong as an adult and aren’t able to fight off those destructive acids. Babies can also suffer tooth decay if left with a bottle in their mouth as they fall asleep. The sugars from milk and juice can cause a great deal of damage.

How is it Treated?

Treatment will often depend on the severity of the decay. If caught early before a cavity has formed, decay can often be stopped by brushing with a good fluoride toothpaste or with fluoride treatments. However, if the decay has eaten its way through that enamel layer of the tooth, you may need to get a filling if a cavity has formed. Once your dentist removes the decay, they will fill the hole and restore the tooth to its original shape.

 

If the decay is severe, your dentist may need to give you a crown, or replacement for the damaged part of the tooth. If that first layer of the tooth, the pulp, is infected, your dentist may need to perform a root canal to actually remove the diseased pulp of the tooth. If the root of the tooth is beyond repair, your dentist will need to extract the tooth and replace it with a bridge or an implant.

 

There are a couple of home remedy options but they don’t take the place of seeing your dentist regularly. If you have pain and swelling, you can use ice packs on your cheeks for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not use heat. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Dentist in Downtown Los Angeles

The best way to prevent tooth decay is to see your dentist for regular checkups and brush your teeth twice a day with a good fluoride toothpaste. If you are looking for a dentist in Downtown Los Angeles, you can schedule an appointment at Samaritan Dental Arts. We are open on Saturdays and you can make an appointment by visiting https://samaritandentalarts.com. You can also fill out the necessary forms, meet the team of professionals and view a complete list of services. Don’t take your dental health for granted. Make your appointment today.