Does a tooth ache mean I have other bad teeth?

Most often when a person has a tooth ache it is caused by decay. Tooth decay, or dental caries, is caused by bacteria that inhabit human being's mouths. Whether or not that bacteria causes decay is based on dietary, personal habits (ex. smoking, chewing tobacco) and how effective a person's oral hygiene regimen is.

It is best to brush three times a day and floss at least twice a day to keep minimal bacteria and food from adhering to the teeth. It is also advisable to limit drinks containing simple sugars and candies to keep the bacteria more at bay. This is because the bacteria in our mouths eat sugar and use it to produce caustic acids that eat our teeth away. If an individual's diet contains lots of sugar and they don't clean their teeth daily as well as having them professionally cleaned they are more likely to have decay. If one drinks a lot of soft drinks, doesn't brush and floss each day and maintain a proper six month cleaning schedule with their dentist, they will likely have decay on many surfaces of their teeth. Based on this concept a tooth ache caused by decay in an individual's mouth on one tooth would have, more often than not, other teeth with areas of decay present.

If you have a tooth ache you should seek out a dentist and let him examine your entire mouth and take x rays so that he/she can best advise you if and where you have tooth decay. Your Charleston Dentist will explain how far the decay has gotten and show you pictures to further clarify what is going on with your teeth. Together you and the dentist will devise a plan to conquer whatever issues are present based on your judgment combined with the dentists explanations and advice.

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