We’ve all been there. One day you’re having a root beer float without a care in the world, and the next, you’re stuck with a toothache in Cary, IL. Toothaches are those ailments that don’t necessarily hurt as much as an open wound would, but they still cause just as much pain. That’s because most toothaches point to a serious problem in the roots of the tooth. Whenever the roots are involved, it’s always severe or chronic pain. But what’s the root cause for these root problems?
How Does This Pain Start?
A toothache all starts with the tooth. It sounds obvious, but the area where the pain starts is usually infected. This means you might have a deep cavity in that area or it could be a severe case of periodontal disease. Another reason is progressive tooth sensitivity. If your tooth is just sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods (perfectly fitting the description of a root beer float), this sensitivity could build over time and become a full-blown ache.
Why Does It Hurt So Much?
Many people have likened a toothache to having your head explode. Sometimes, it’s so severe that you can’t even tell where the pain is coming from anymore. So why does it hurt so much? Think of infections around the rest of your body. When you have an infection elsewhere, your body swells up as part of your immune system. The same thing goes with your tooth. But the problem is that the swelling gets trapped within the hard enamel of your tooth, building up pressure. The more pressure there is, the more pain you experience. Luckily, your dentist has several methods of relieving this pain.
Did you have one too many chocolates and are now dealing with a toothache in Cary, IL? Contact Cary Dental Associates, LLC.