The Truth About Tooth Aches!
Tooth ache is probably one of the most excruciating painful experiences an individual can encounter in his lifetime and having experienced it once, it is usually enough to leave frightfully painful memories. Those who have been unfortunate enough to experience this predicament know exactly what is being talked about and will agree that this is in no way an exaggeration.
Anatomically, the tooth is a complex entity by itself, within which an intricate network of blood vessels and nerves (called the pulp) are housed; and this central chamber is called the pulp chamber. Each tooth is located snuggly in individual sockets in the jaws. These sockets form the foundation structures (called the periodontium) for the teeth which give them strength and support to maintain function efficiently. The tooth though complex in its structure unlike other parts of the body, cannot differentiate impulses. The only way a tooth responds to external stimuli is by pain.
Toothaches can primarily be because of one of the two usual causes, one is pulpal and the other is periodontal. Dental pain of pulpal origin is far more intense and severe compared to periodontal pain. Nevertheless either one is unbearable. Pulpal pain occurs when decay has spread or communicated to pulp chamber. This leads to inflammatory changes in the pulp and precipitates pain; and later may progress on to a root abscess. Periodontal pain occurs when the gums and the supporting structures are compromised and give rise to a condition called periodontitis. The condition is characterized by bleeding gums, mobile teeth, abscess formation etc. Usually periodontal pain can be characteristically classified as a dull ache when compared to a sharp lancinating type of pain in the pulpal cause.
Both these painful conditions can be absolutely avoided with regular home care and early detection and treatment. Periodic check ups with your dentists will help identify these diseases and help treat them on time and avoid future complications.
Dr. Murali Srinivasan, MDS.
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