If you or one of your kids is experiencing tooth pain, it’s time to head to a family dentist. You may have a cavity or an underlying cause that makes the gums inflamed or affects a tooth’s nerve. Here’s a closer look at the most common reasons for dental pain and what a dentist will do to help.

What Causes Toothaches?

1. Cavities

Bacteria in your mouth can create cavities by gradually eating into the enamel. As cavities deepen, they damage the nerves inside the teeth and cause pain that begins as a dull ache and sharpens over time if it’s not addressed. This condition requires removing the damaged area and filling it with a composite material to stop the pain and save the tooth.

2. Sinus Issues

The sinuses reach from the mid-forehead through the nose and into air pockets on the cheeks and above the mouth. Sinus infections may be bacterial or viral; they happen when fluid fills the sinus cavities and facilitates germ growth.

This increase in pressure can give you a headache and make all your teeth ache or cause pain in one side of your sinuses and jaw. If sinusitis is bacterial, it may be treated with an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin, to clear out the infection and address the toothache. A nasal spray may be prescribed for a viral condition.

3. Damaged Fillings

Teeth fillings may fall out while eating or break apart due to old age. Wear and tear can cause cracks that slowly encourage fillings to detach from the tooth, exposing the root and causing sharp pain that worsens when you eat or bite down.

Older fillings may feature silver amalgam or gold that breaks down after 10 or so years due to regular usage. If your fillings are reaching this age, consider having a family dentist remove and replace them to avoid tooth pain.

4. Tooth Sensitivity

Teeth can be sensitive to temperatures, causing your jaw to ache if you bite into ice cream or take a sip of hot coffee. Family dentists often recommend specialized toothpaste that strengthens enamel and desensitizes tooth nerve endings to prevent pain.

Parents and individuals concerned about toothaches or cavities should contact Dr. Robert N. Petrtyl in Cincinnati, OH, for relief. The family dentist team offers general and specialized oral health services for people of all ages throughout Blue Ash, Reading, Mason, and the surrounding areas, including snoring devices, mouthguards, and oral surgery. Visit the website to learn about their services or call (513) 554-4657 to schedule an appointment today.