Toothaches are so common that many people think they’re just a routine annoyance. Usually, however, the discomfort is the result from something more serious, like a cavity or the recession of your gum tissues. While you might not immediately realize that toothaches are preventable, you may recognize that the common causes of it are, as long as you stick to a consistent schedule of good hygiene practices and preventive dentistry visits. Today, we take a look at how you can reduce your risks of toothaches by successfully preventing the most common causes behind them.
Stronger, Healthier Teeth
- Your teeth’s first line of defense against things that could irritate them (like oral bacteria and food particles) is the layer of enamel that surrounds them. It’s comprised almost entirely of minerals, including calcium, but when exposed to acids produced by harmful oral bacteria, these minerals are depleted and enamel grows weak. You can keep it strong by brushing and flossing away harmful oral bacteria at least twice every day, and attending a checkup and cleaning at least once every six months.
- Besides oral bacteria, acids from certain foods and beverages can also deplete your enamel and make your teeth more sensitive. Avoid snacking frequently throughout the day to prevent overfeeding oral bacteria, and rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after each meal.
- Tooth enamel can also grow weak under constant friction and pressure, such as constantly grinding your teeth. If you have bruxism (chronic teeth-grinding), then you may experience increasingly worse toothaches as the condition causes your tooth enamel and tooth structure to quickly wear down. To prevent damage to your teeth, your dentist may recommend a custom-designed bruxism appliance, which you can wear at night to stop your teeth from grinding while you sleep.
Call Us if You Experience a Chronic Toothache
With these few tips, you have a better chance at preventing the most common causes of toothaches. If one does develop, then you should visit your dentist for a preventive examination to stop it from growing worse. 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.
