Did you know that a toothache can be an indicator of a serious oral health problem? While it is true that not all toothaches require dental treatment, your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, does recommend carefully monitoring a toothache, whenever you experience one. You should especially pay attention to toothaches that linger for several days as they are more likely to be the result of an oral health problem. Fleeting sensitivities, on the other hand, are more often the result of irritants that become wedged between teeth.
Toothaches and Oral Health Problems
Depending upon the characteristics of your toothache, there are several potential problems that could be creating the pain. For example, if your tooth is sensitive most often in the morning, you could have an undiagnosed bruxism (teeth grinding) habit. Because bruxism strips teeth of their enamel and wears them down to the point that they can crack, chip, or break, you should report any symptoms of bruxism to your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Smith, as soon as you discover them.
Other serious oral health problems that a toothache can indicate are a cracked tooth and an abscessed tooth. A cracked tooth will produce a sharp pain when biting. The compression of the tooth causes the crack to widen, and when the pressure is released, the crack will narrow rapidly, resulting in a painful jolt. An abscessed tooth can also cause significant pain. It may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures as well as pressure. If an abscessed tooth does not receive treatment, the infection within it can spread, and the tooth may require extraction.
General Dentistry in Grand Prairie
Your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, makes a point of emphasizing preventive care to his patients. By preventing oral health problems or intervening early when they do occur, you can save yourself the need for more extensive treatments. Therefore, if you have any questions about a lingering toothache, Dr. Smith, encourages you to contact our Grand Prairie dental office. Doing so could prevent a serious oral health problem from worsening.
About Dr. Quinn Smith: Dr. Quinn Smith is a respected and experienced family dentist in Grand Prairie TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter the dental office and offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work. New patients can schedule an appointment or a consultation with Dr. Smith by calling 972-262-5111.
