It’s been said that tooth pain is some of the worst discomfort you can experience. If you’ve suffered from a toothache, you’ll know this to be true. While tooth decay is often the culprit, did you know that tooth pain is not always due to a cavity? At Comal Dental, Dr. David Earnest helps patients manage all kinds of dental pain, and the first step is proper diagnosis. Your dentist in New Braunfels discusses common reasons for tooth pain.
Abscesses or Infection
Dental pain and sensitivity can often be an indicator that you’re suffering from an abscess, or infection. It’s important to note that an infection will not go away on its own, and you should contact Comal Dental right away to be seen.
If it’s left untreated, it can result in the loss of your tooth, and the infection can potentially travel to other critical areas of the body. Root canal therapy can often save a tooth that is infected from extraction, but it’s important to act quickly.
Bruxism and TMJ
Bruxism, or clenching and grinding your teeth can also cause pain or tenderness in your teeth. Bruxism also causes your teeth to wear prematurely, and can contribute to a painful jaw joint disorder known as TMJ.
Dr. Earnest can evaluate your teeth for bruxism during your regular checkup appointment. He may recommend a mouth guard, much like a retainer, that you can wear at night while you’re sleeping to help protect your teeth from clenching and grinding.
Tooth Decay
Often the cause of tooth pain, tooth decay occurs when bacteria and acids eat through the enamel of your tooth, causing a cavity. If left untreated, tooth decay can progress, cause even more damage, and lead to a dental infection. Prevention is your best defense against tooth decay, and believe it or not, Dr. Earnest can detect it even earlier than you can.
If caught in its early stages, you may be able to reverse tooth decay with improved home care before any severe damage is done. This is why attending your regular cleaning and checkup appointments is so important.
Whether you’ve suffered an injury, or you’re experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold beverages, be proactive and contact your Comal Dental team right away. Remember, when it comes to tooth pain, the quicker we diagnose your condition, the quicker we can get you back on the path to wellness.