Why It’s Important Not To Ignore Toothache in Ladbroke Grove

Did you wake up with toothache this morning? If so you might be tempted to take a wait and see approach before contacting your dentist in Ladbroke Grove. However it’s best not to wait too long, particularly if your toothache seems to be persisting or even getting worse.

What Is the Main Cause of Toothache?

The main cause of toothache in both adults and children is tooth decay. Most people have at least one or two cavities and tooth decay is caused by bacteria that live in your mouth and which feed of sugars and starches in your food. The bacteria form a sticky layer of plaque that gradually builds up on the surface of your teeth. Plaque produces acid that will eventually eat through the hard outer coating of tooth enamel, creating a cavity. If you’ve actually got to the stage where a tooth hurts, then the cavity might have reached the pulp right in the centre of the tooth. When this happens, it’s likely your dentist in Ladbroke Grove will need to perform a root canal treatment to clear up the infection and to hopefully save the tooth.

Are There Any Other Reasons for Toothache?

Yes, as toothache in Ladbroke Grove can be caused by something as simple as food debris becoming trapped in between your teeth which can be enough to dislodge them, causing discomfort or pain. It’s possible for the root of the tooth to become infected or perhaps your tooth has suffered some sort of trauma. This might be due to a blow to the mouth or can arise if you grind or clench your teeth during the night, a habit called bruxism. Sometimes a sinus infection can be felt as toothache and if you’re still waiting for your wisdom teeth then it’s possible they might be erupting.

Why it’s best to Seek Prompt Treatment

Often it’s best to seek prompt treatment for toothache and it’s likely you’ll want to if it’s particularly painful. Ladbroke Grove Dental Care always has emergency appointments for patients in pain so we can see you on the same day to relieve any discomfort. In addition, the sooner you seek help for a damaged or infected tooth the better. An infected tooth can develop into an abscess which is not only much more painful but more difficult to treat. By this stage it’s possible that we might need to extract the tooth to clear up the infection. In comparison, seeking treatment sooner can often mean that root canal therapy will clear up the infection, saving the tooth.

You should definitely call us if you have toothache that lasts for more than a day or two or any signs of infection such as swollen gums, pain when you bite down on the tooth or a nasty taste in your mouth. Contact us immediately if you also have a high temperature, as we will want to get you in to take a look.

If you need an emergency dentist in Ladbroke Grove then contact us on 020 7727 9836 to book your appointment straightaway.