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Toothache Causes

An aching tooth you get from a cavity is no fun, but it's something that can be easily seen and quickly solved. Unfortunately, toothaches also stem from problems that aren't so easily recognized.

Tooth pain can be a little like that weird noise your car engine makes but always disappears the moment you drive it into the repair shop.

A tooth that aches only in the morning may be the result of overnight tooth grinding (bruxism). Bruxism is quite common, and has the potential of deteriorating tooth enamel. But it's also treatable. Occasionally a patient will experience some hot/cold sensitivity after a new filling or crown. That's normal, and should go away after a few days. If it doesn't, the problem may lie elsewhere. And we want to know about it.

There's also pain from "root surface sensitivity." This can result from years of brushing teeth too hard, "heartburn acid" which enters the mouth overnight and attacks the enamel of your teeth, receding gums, or periodontal pockets of infection. A toothache may even be the result of a microscopic crack in a molar. These pains are not easy to pinpoint, and often require that you and I work together to help determine the actual cause.

And, yes, toothaches come from decay. But whatever the reason, if you're experiencing tooth discomfort, call the dentist so we can help you solve the mystery of an achy tooth. With all the resources at our disposal, an aching tooth is something no one should have to live with.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Family Dentistry: Find a Dentist Who Offers General Dental Care

A family dentist is a general dentist who can meet the dental care needs of patients of all ages. Family dentistry encompasses a lot, including pediatric dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental work like fillings, crowns and bridges.

Family dentists fill different roles for different family members: a children's dentist for the little ones, a braces dentist for teens, a restorative dentist for adults, a denture dentist for older people, even working as a wisdom teeth dentist or root canal dentist if the situation requires.

Dental hygiene and tooth cleaning are also an important part of any family dental practice. The dental hygienist will give your mouth a thorough cleaning twice a year, and then the dentist will perform an oral exam to look for any dental health problems, dental work that needs to be repaired, etc.

Finding a family dentist with whom everyone in the family is comfortable is one of the best things you can do for the oral health - and overall health! - of your entire family.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.