Toothaches can occur when you least expect them, interrupting your sleep and making it hard to eat. They’re hard to endure because they’re symptomatic of a deeper issue requiring immediate attention. Fortunately, by understanding their causes and how they are treated, you can work to avoid them or seek effective solutions early. 

What Causes Toothaches?

Each of your teeth contains an inner chamber comprised of tiny nerves and blood vessels. When affected by trauma or infection, the nerves signal pain responses that create toothaches. Occasionally, dental cavities reach deep enough to infect the inner pulp, causing severe discomfort.

Teeth whitening can also cause mild toothaches since the process releases tiny plugs in the dental enamel that keep hot and cold temperatures from impacting the nerves inside the tooth. People who are living with crooked teeth or a misaligned bite also experience similar discomfort from the added pressure. 

How Can Your Dentist Help? 

Fortunately, dentists alleviate aches by checking for problems like tooth decay, orthodontic issues, and root exposure. If you have dental decay, for instance, they’ll apply a local anesthetic to the area while they correct the cavity with a filling.

Sometimes, patients need endodontic treatment to remove the inner tooth pulp to alleviate discomfort. If you have recurrent dental pain, a doctor will discuss the condition and any lifestyle choices that contribute to it, such as smoking, a poor diet, or nighttime teeth grinding. 

If you’re experiencing a toothache, book an appointment with Lisa Tatum, DDS, right away. From careful oral exams and radiographs to periodontal disease treatment, Dr. Tatum is skilled in a variety of areas, helping patients maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. To learn more about the range of effective dental treatments her Waynesboro, VA, practice offers, visit the website. To schedule an appointment with the dentist, call (540) 943-0973 today.