Having healthy teeth is an important part of overall good health. A great smile does not only improve physical appearance. It also helps you speak properly and of course, help you chew your food properly. For this, toothache should not be taken for granted. Pain in a tooth is a sure sign that there’s something wrong, most especially when your gums are swelling or bleeding. Teeth problem may also come with age like the periodontal disease.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis or pyorrhea, causes inflammation of the gums and deterioration of the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth. It is often the main cause of bad breath in adults. It is also responsible for most of the teeth lost as people age. As a matter of fact, a research study from the CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that almost 64 percent of adults 65 years and above have moderate to severe forms of periodontitis. Findings from the same study have shown that more than 47 percent of the adult population in the U.S. who are 30 years and above suffer from mild to moderate or severe periodontitis. And between men and women, periodontitis tends to be more prevalent among men.
Signs and Symptoms
Sometimes a person has such minor symptoms that he or she may not realize that periodontal disease is present. As the disease pr
One of the most important things our body can do is tell us when something’s wrong with it, and it tells us through pain. Toothaches are no exception, albeit they’re usually much more irksome compared to the other warnings our bodies give us.
The worst toothache can render you immobile from pain, holding on to your head like it’s going to explode. Then there are toothaches that feel dull and subdued. Another kind of toothache is called throbbing tooth pain — an intermittent pain that comes and goes seemingly like it’s timed to the beat of a song. Indeed, it’s rhythmic enough that Aristotle thought it was linked to our heartbeats.
Regardless, it’s not only painful — it’s a mischievous kind of painful, giving you a moment’s respite before pounding on your head again.
So What Causes the Throbbing? The main culprit behind throbbing tooth pain is usually inflammation. It’s often associated with inflammation within the tooth itself (the pulp) or in its surrounding areas, which is usually caused by:
- Gum infections
- Pulp infections
Gums that are pink in color and do not bleed when brushing or flossing are considered by dentists as healthy. If your gums feel swollen, are colored red, and bleed whenever you brush and floss, it is best to consult your dentist immediately since you may already have gingivitis.
Gingivitis refers to the inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat.
Causes, Signs and Symptoms
How does gingivitis develop? The development of this gum disease is typically attributed to poor dental hygiene.
The primary cause of gingivitis is plaque, a colorless biofilm of bacteria that is commonly found on one’s teeth and gums. Proper and regular brushing and flossing can remove plaque, but failure to practice good dental care habits means the bacteria remains on your teeth. This biofilm soon produces toxins which irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. During this stage, damage can still be reversed because the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. Untreated gingivitis, however, can become periodontitis and cause permanent damage to a person