Reno Dentists: Is Your Toothache a Warning Sign?

Oftentimes, toothaches are nothing more than fleeting sensitivities, but other times, they can be indicative of a serious problem with your oral health. So how do you know when to seek dental care for a toothache? Below, your Reno dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans, help you determine whether or not your toothache is cause for concern.

Determining the Seriousness of Your Toothache

When you first develop a toothache, one of the best things you can do is rinse your mouth with water and floss in the affected area. Doing so can remove any irritants caught between your teeth that may be causing the toothache. Because many toothaches are caused by the presence of irritants between teeth, taking this first step can help you achieve quick relief or rule out an irritant as a possibility.

If rinsing and flossing do not produce relief, there are several other possible causes. One potential cause is a temporary sensitivity that will go away rather quickly. However, if the toothache lingers for a couple of days, the chances become much greater that you will require dental assistance.

Lingering toothaches have many causes, and they can include bruxism (teeth grinding), a cracked tooth, and tooth decay.

• Bruxism exposes teeth to very powerful forces, and the strain can take its toll on teeth, wearing them down and causing pain. Eventually, teeth may crack, chip, or break, requiring a dental crown.
• A cracked tooth is typically sensitive to warm and cold foods and beverages. It is also quite common to feel a sharp pain when biting or chewing with a cracked tooth.
• Tooth decay produces an aching pain that lingers for days. The sooner tooth decay receives treatment, the less times bacteria have to damage the tooth further.

Schedule a Visit with Your Reno Dentists

Do you have a lingering toothache? Don’t ignore your body’s warning. Contact your Reno dentists, Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans, today by calling 775-829-7700. We are proud to serve patients in Reno, Sparks, Sun Valley, Spanish Springs, and surrounding communities.