Don’t Let Toothaches Steal Christmas

Don’t Let Toothaches Steal Christmas

General Dentistry

With Christmas just around the corner and office closures for the holidays, it’s important to keep your oral health at its best to avoid the chance of a dental emergency.  As your Mississauga dentist, providing you with information that will help you make informed choices about your oral health is our goal.  It is of course, very important that we maintain good oral health all year round but with the new year approaching, making your oral health a priority can be something to keep in mind for next year too.  In the event that you may feel a little uncertain by tooth or mouth discomfort, this blog will hopefully provide you with information that will guide you with toothache symptoms, what the causes could be of a toothache and what you can do to prevent toothaches and dental emergencies.

The Toothache

Toothaches or discomfort can cause very different sensations for different people.  Various symptoms of toothaches depend on the underlying cause and can include but aren’t limited to:

1. Pain:
   1. Sharp, throbbing, or constant pain in or around a tooth
   2. Pain that worsens when pressure is applied (eg. chewing or biting).
   3. Pain that radiates to the jaw, neck, or ear.
2. Sensitivity:
   1. Increased sensitivity to hold, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
   2. Lingering discomfort after exposure to temperature changes.
3. Swelling:
   1. Swelling around the affected tooth or in the gums.
   2. Swelling that may extend to the face or jaw.
4. Redness:
   1. Inflamed or reddened gums near the painful tooth.
5. Bad Taste or Odour:
   1. A foul taste or bad breath, which could indicate an infection.
6. Fever:
   1. Fever or general malaise if an infection is present.
7. Loose Tooth:
   1. A sensation that the tooth is loose, particularly if the issue is gum-related.
8. Visible Signs:
   1. Cavities, cracks, or other damage to the tooth.
   2. Pus or discharge near the tooth, indicating an abscess.

If you experience severe symptoms, such as swelling that interferes with breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or excruciating pain, seek medical attention immediately.  These may indicate a serious infection that needs prompt treatment.

Toothache Causes

Toothaches are usually not a result of immediate trauma but are the result of repetitive stress on a tooth or teeth.  The causes of toothaches can vary, ranging from minor irritations to more serious dental issues.  Common causes include:

1. Tooth Decay (Cavity)
   1. This is the most common cause of a toothache.
   2. This is caused by bacteria that produces acids, eroding the tooth enamel and exposing the inner layers leading to sensitivity.
2. Tooth Abscess
   1. This bacterial infection results in pus formation.
   2. This is often caused by untreated cavities, gum disease or trauma to the tooth.
3. Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
   1. Inflammation or infection of the gums.
   2. Can lead to receding gums, loose teeth, and pain.
4. Tooth Fracture
   1. Cracks or breaks in the tooth can expose sensitive layers.
   2. May result from trauma, grinding, or biting on hard objects.  To learn more about bruxism (tooth grinding) click here.
5. Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity)
   1. Exposed dentin (second layer of the tooth) due to enamel erosion, or tooth wear.
   2. Leads to pain or discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods.
6. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
   1. Wisdom teeth that don’t fully emerge or grow at an angle can press on surrounding teeth or gums.
7. Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
   1. Causes wear and tear on teeth, leading to pain and sensitivity.  To learn more about bruxism (tooth grinding) click here.
8. Dental Trauma
   1. Injuries to the teeth, such as chips, cracks, or dislodged teeth.
9. Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)
   1. Can cause referred pain to the upper teeth, as the sinuses are located near the roots.
10. Dental Procedures
    1. Recent fillings, crowns, or other treatments can sometimes cause temporary toothache.
11. Erupting Teeth (In Children or Adolescents)
    1. Growing or erupting teeth, such as baby teeth or wisdom teeth, can cause temporary discomfort.
12. Malocclusion
    1. Misaligned teeth or jaw can create stress on specific teeth, leading to discomfort.  To learn more about how you can straighten your teeth with Invisalign, click here.

If the toothaches persists or worsens, consult a dentist to diagnose the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Dental discomfort or toothaches can be quite unpleasant so what can we do to avoid them?  Preventing toothaches and dental emergencies involves practicing good oral hygiene, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and being proactive about dental care.  Here are some effective strategies to do so:

1. Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
   1. Brush at least 2x daily:  use fluoride toothpaste and ideally an electric toothbrush with soft bristles to clean all of the surfaces of your teeth.
   2. Floss or clean interproximally:  clean between your teeth to remove plaque and food particles.
   3. Use additional dental adjuncts that help remove debris from the teeth to reduce inflammation and decay development.
2. Maintain Regular Dental Checkups
   1. See your dentist for a checkup at least once every 6 months and see your hygienist for your regular maintenance at the recommended interval whether it be 3, 4 or every 6 months
   2. Professional hygiene appointments remove tartar and buildup that you are not able to remove which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
   3. Early detection of dental issues prevents them from worsening.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet
   1. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that contribute to tooth decay.
   2. Eat calcium-rich foods (eg. milk, cheese, yogurt) to strengthen teeth.
   3. Include crunchy fruits and vegetables (eg. apples, carrots) that help clean teeth naturally.
4. Protect Your Teeth
   1. Wear a mouthguard – use a custom fitted mouthguard for sports or if you grind your teeth.  For more information on mouthguards, click here.
   2. Avoid chewing hard objects:  don’t chew on ice, pens, or hard candies that can chip or break teeth.
5. Stay Hydrated
   1. Drink plenty of water to help rinse away food particles and bacteria.
   2. Opt for fluoridated water, which can strengthen teeth and reduce cavities.
6. Avoid Smoking and Tobacco
   1. Smoking weakens gums and increases the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
7. Address Dental Problems Promptly
   1. Don’t ignore minor discomfort, cavities, or sensitivity – these can lead to bigger issues if untreated.
8. Use Fluoride Treatments
   1. Fluoride treatments strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.
9. Know How to Handle Emergencies
   1. Keep a dental emergency kit with pain relievers, gauze, and a temporary dental filling material.
   2. If a tooth is knocked out, keep it moist (in milk or saline) and see a dentist immediately.
10. Manage Overall Health
    1. Control conditions like diabetes, which can increase the risk of gum disease.
    2. Address issues like acid reflux, as stomach acid can erode enamel.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of toothaches and dental emergencies while maintaining a healthy smile.

As your Mississauga family dentist, we hope that we have provided you with useful information to prevent a dental emergency.  Unfortunately, we will be closed for the holidays from December 19th until January 6th but will be available by calling our emergency line at 416-937-5177. If you do have remaining treatment that can cause a potential dental emergency, please book an appointment with us at your earliest convenience by calling 906-278-4297 and one of our dental team members will be more than happy to help you.  Cause after all, don’t let toothaches steal Christmas!