A dull, unpleasant sensation, a sharp, shooting pain, or a pulsing, throbbing pain that won’t go away can mean that you need to give some attention to your teeth.

1. Why You Have a Toothache
A dull, unpleasant sensation, a sharp, shooting pain, or a pulsing, throbbing pain that won’t
go away can mean that you need to give some attention to your teeth. It’s rare for a person
to enjoy going to the dentist and many of us avoid it as long as possi ble, waiting until the
pain is unbearable before we call the drill doctor.
This habit of last-minute care is preventable with regular visits. Checkups allow your
dentist to keep tabs on your oral health and help you avoid major procedures like a root
canal or pulling a tooth due to severe decay. If you are experiencing pain, there are several
causes, and you should be aware of what they are so that you can understand your options for
fixing the problem.
Grinding Your Teeth
One of the most common sources of tooth pain and sensitivity is Bruxism, or grinding teeth. Some
people will grind their teeth when they’re stressed or anxious. Others may grind their teeth in their
sleep. Whatever the situation, tooth grinding can cause your teeth to wear down and become sensitive.
Occasionally, your grinding may end up exposing a nerve. When a nerve in your tooth is exposed, that
area of your mouth will become super sensitive to temperature changes whether hot or cold. If these
types of aches persist, you want to contact your dentist, but most of the time they pass and you
shouldn’t worry about them too much.
Tooth Damage
When a tooth chips, fractures, or is otherwise damaged through the course of daily life,
this type of injury can lead to long-term pain. Fractures should be attended to at once.
These, if left unrepaired, can lead to cavities and the loss of the tooth in question.
Displaced or lost fillings should also be seen to as soon as possible, since the cavity could
get worse with the filling gone. Chipped teeth may cause minor discomfort, or if it is a major
chip, you may need to get the tooth capped so that further damage is not incurred.
Tooth Decay
The severity of decay can range from a small, easily filled surface cavity to something much more severe
like an abscess. Cavities can be prevented by proper oral hygiene, and any cavities that do develop
between checkups can be filled without much problem when you check in with your dentist.
Cavities that are left unchecked and poor oral hygiene habits can lead to serious tooth decay and
abscess. An abscessed tooth is caused by severe decay from the inside of the tooth, moving out, and
sometimes even down into the root and bone. Abscessed teeth may be accompanied by fever, severe
prolonged pain, and other symptoms. See a dentist immediately if you experience these symptoms.

2. It is important to always take care of your teeth that the more serious problems may be avoided. Proper
dental care can help you keep your teeth for decades to come. If you are looking for a dentist in Salina,
KS, give McPherson Dental a call or stop by our offices today.
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