What a Toothache Usually Means

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The problem with having a toothache is that, in many cases, you might not know exactly what it means. Perhaps you have a cavity or more serious tooth decay to contend with. Or, perhaps the tooth’s enamel is just a little weaker than it should be. Though there can be many different causes for a toothache, the most common involve the diminished health or integrity of your tooth’s structure or outer layers. Therefore, you have a good chance of avoiding a toothache by ensuring you consistently keep your teeth healthy and strong.

The origins of tooth sensitivity

A tooth can become sensitive or ache to varying degrees, and sometimes, the extent of the discomfort can hint at the cause of it, as well. For example, a significant problem with your tooth structure, such as severe tooth decay or structural damage to its crown, can often produce more severe discomfort in and around the tooth. More minor instances, such as the enamel around your tooth growing weak, may begin as more mild sensitivity in your tooth that’s only noticeable some of the time. However, the problem is that most toothache origins will grow worse over time, and consequently, so will your toothache, unless you take appropriate steps to prevent or alleviate the toothache.

How to avoid a toothache

  • Keep your teeth clean – Your tooth enamel is most susceptible to damage when it’s exposed to substances that oral bacteria produce. To keep it strong, you must also keep it clean of oral bacteria by sticking to a good hygiene routine every day.
  • Drink plenty of water – Oral bacteria are also susceptible to oxygen and water, which makes your saliva so effective at rinsing it away. You can do even more to protect your teeth by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and rinsing your teeth with it after eating.
  • Eat more dairy (if possible) – Strong teeth are less likely to become sensitive, but they need minerals and nutrients in addition to regular cleaning. Eating and drinking dairy will provide you with plenty of calcium and other minerals that your tooth enamel needs to remain resilient.
  • Use toothpaste with fluoride – A healthy diet helps nourish your teeth with essential minerals, but you can also boost the strength of your tooth enamel by using toothpaste with fluoride in it. Fluoride bonds to the minerals in your tooth enamel, making it stronger and more resilient against harmful oral bacteria.

Learn more about toothaches

A toothache can mean a lot of different things, but many of them can often be avoided with consistently good care and maintenance of your teeth. To learn more, call our Cleveland Family Dentistry office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234. We also serve the residents of Kingwood, Conroe, Livingston, and all surrounding communities.