There is never a good time to experience a toothache. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common problems that children and adults face after the common cold. A toothache can signal many different issues but regardless of the cause, there is one thing that is for certain: this requires immediate attention. Don’t worry! Our Mt. Pleasant, MI, dentist Dr. Keith Bever, Jr. is here to help.
What can cause a toothache?
The most frequent cause of a toothache is tooth decay. Cavities are very common, affecting more than 90 percent of US adults, and 1 in 4 people have untreated cavities. A cavity that is left untreated will continue to spread throughout the tooth until it gets inside the tooth and also affects the health of the bone and neighboring teeth. The only way to stop a cavity from growing is for our Mt. Pleasant, MI, family dentist to remove the decay and then fill the tooth afterward to protect it.
Other causes of toothaches include,
- A fractured tooth
- An abscessed or infected tooth
- Gum disease (usually in the more advanced stages)
- A damaged or broken dental filling
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching, which can wear down tooth enamel
Along with a toothache, you may notice other symptoms including,
- Swollen, tender gums
- Pain that gets worse when chewing or biting down on the tooth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Fever
- Headache
When should you call your dentist?
Immediately! Do not put off seeing your dentist if you experience a toothache. A toothache will not go away on its own so the sooner you seek treatment the better. In fact, by treating the problem when it first arises we may be able to prevent the need for more invasive and time-consuming dental procedures. Dr. Bever handles all kinds of dental emergencies and will make sure that you get an immediate appointment.
Having an emergency dentist in Mt. Pleasant, MI, that you can turn to whenever you need care can provide you and your family with peace of mind. If you are dealing with a toothache, or if you just need to schedule a cleaning with us, call our dental office at (989) 773-9793 for an appointment.