Are you suffering from a throbbing toothache? We know the feeling—there’s nothing worse! If you’re not certain what could be causing your dental pain, consider asking yourself the following five questions:
1. Am I brushing my teeth too hard?
Did you know that plaque is actually soft and very easy to remove with a gentle brushing? Many people believe that they need to brush their teeth forcefully in order to remove the plaque. However, this may be doing more harm than good. When brushing too hard, you may be doing damage to the enamel—the outer layer of your tooth. Over brushing can even cause receding gums and, in severe cases, expose the root of your tooth. Ultimately, this will lead to painful toothaches and cause sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
2. Could I be grinding my teeth in my sleep?
Has anyone told you that your mouth makes strange grinding or squeaking noises in your sleep? Do you wake up with headaches or jaw pain in the morning? If so, you may be suffering from bruxism, or teeth grinding. This is actually pretty common: 30-40 million people in the United States experience nighttime bruxism. While a number of things may be causing this issue—such as a misaligned bite, stress, medication, or a sleep disorder—it is important that you visit Manus Dental to have the problem checked out as soon as possible. Bruxism, if left untreated, can lead to broken teeth, muscle pain, and more.
3. Am I currently dealing with sinus pressure or congestion?
Strange as it may seem, your dental pain may not be a dental problem at all! Your sinuses and oral cavity are all interconnected, so pain and pressure in one part of your head or throat can actually reverberate elsewhere. Therefore, if you’re managing sinusitis, a flu, or a respiratory illness at the moment, it is possible your tooth could be aching as a direct result. Luckily, in these cases, your toothache should clear alongside your other symptoms.
4. Do my gums bleed when I floss?
In addition to your toothache, have you noticed that your gums bleed when you floss or appear inflamed as of late? It is possible that you’re experiencing a common oral health issue known as periodontal (gum) disease. In the United States, 75% of people over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease, yet many don’t realize they suffer from the ailment. If left untreated, gum disease can cause serious problems for your overall health—including heart and respiratory illness, stroke, and complications with pregnancy. Therefore, it is important that you visit the dentist straight away.
5. When was my last dental check-up?
According to the American Dental Association, it is recommended that you visit the dentist for a regular check-up every six months. If you haven’t seen the dentist in a while and you’re experiencing dental pain, perhaps it is time to schedule your check-up. At Manus Dental, we’ll be able to determine if you have a cavity, periodontal issues, and more through a routine exam, and take preventative measures to ensure you don’t feel this same dental pain in the future.
Ready to schedule your next check-up at the dentist? Call Manus Dental today to set up your appointment!