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Toothache is pain in the area of your jaw and face. It is usually
caused when a nerve in the root of a tooth becomes irritated. However,
other problems such as infection, decay, or the loss of a tooth,
can also cause toothache.
In the middle of every tooth, there is space containing dental pulp. Dental pulp is a soft, spongy tissue containing lots of sensitive nerves and blood vessels. The pulp cavity is surrounded with layers of hard tissue to protect it. The outermost layer is called enamel, and is harder than bone.
Toothache occurs when the pulp inside your tooth gets inflamed. This is known as pulpitis and is often caused by dental decay (carries). Dental decay is when bacteria in your mouth break down the enamel of a tooth. Holes (cavities) in the tooth develop, exposing the nerves underneath.
If left untreated, the pulp inside your tooth will die and become infected. This will lead to an abscess forming, causing a severe and continuous throbbing pain. Eating or drinking something that is very hot or cold may also give you toothache because it touches the nerves in the pulp.
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Typical
symptoms of toothache include:
* Pain when chewing,
* Sensitivity to hot or cold food,
* Bleeding around the tooth or gums,
* Swelling around the tooth, and swelling of the jaw. |
*
dental
decay :(carries),
* cavities:
(holes) in the hard surface of the tooth,
* a fracture
: (crack) in the tooth. This is often so small that it
cannot be seen with the naked eye,
* pain
after some types of dental treatment,:, such as a filling.
This sometimes happens if the tooth pulp is irritated,
* an exposed
tooth root :, which can occur if the gums recede (move
back) or are damaged by brushing the teeth too hard, or
* sensitive
teeth:, caused by the gums receding from the teeth, leaving
softer, more sensitive parts of the teeth exposed. |
1)
if toothache is caused by tooth decay, the dentist will take out
the decayed area and replace it with a filling,
2) for toothache that is caused by a loose or broken filling, the
filling is taken out, any new decay is cleaned out, and a new filling
is put in,
3) if the pulp of the tooth is infected (pulpitis), you may need
to have root canal treatment. Your dentist (or a specialist called
an endodontist) takes out the decayed pulp, fills the space with
a paste, and covers the tooth with a crown to protect and seal
it, or
4) if the tooth has become infected, you may need to take antibiotics.
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limiting
the amount of sugary foods and drinks that you have. Have
them as an occasional treat, and only at mealtimes,
brushing
your teeth twice a day using a toothpaste containing fluoride.
Gently brush your gums and tongue as well,
cleaning
between your teeth using dental floss.
If necessary, use a mouthwash,
not
smoking:, as it can make some dental problems worse,
and
visiting
your dentist at least once a year. Consider having your
teeth cleaned occasionally by a hygienist.
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