The thing about toothaches is that, even though it seems like there’s a million ways to treat it, there’s really only one—address whatever’s causing your tooth to hurt. A toothache isn’t a dental concern in itself, but rather a symptom of one. In fact, a toothache can indicate a wide variety of issues, depending on the specific state of your dental health. Because of that, the only way to effectively treat a toothache for good is for your dentist to diagnose and treat the cause of it.
What a Toothache Probably Means
The main, upper portion of your tooth, called the crown, is comprised of layers. The outer layer, called enamel, is a highly resilient barrier between things like food and oral bacteria, and the more sensitive main part of your tooth. One of the more common reasons for a tooth becoming sensitive is the erosion of tooth enamel, which makes the tooth more vulnerable to irritations. This also makes your tooth more susceptible to infection from harmful oral bacteria, a condition known as tooth decay.
How to Treat Your Toothache, Specifically
If your tooth enamel is compromised, then the severity of your toothache will depend on how compromised it is. For instance, mild sensitivity may just mean that your enamel is growing weaker. In some cases, it can be strengthened with better hygiene and more focused preventive dentistry measures, like fluoride or dental sealants. If your toothache is more pronounced, then tooth decay may have already developed and the pain could indicate a growing cavity (hole in your tooth). If so, then relieving your toothache may require treating the cavity with a custom, tooth-colored filling.
Find Out How to Treat Your Toothache
A toothache can be a symptom of a wide variety of dental issues, and alleviating it requires addressing its specific cause. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849. We proudly welcome patients and families from Katy, Fulshear, Weston Lakes, Simonton, Richmond, Rosenberg, Brookshire, Wallis, Orchard, Cypress, Sealy, Columbus, and all surrounding communities.
