Dental Caries

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Dental caries are cavities in teeth. A toothache is the pain in your tooth you can get with a cavity. If you are treated, the pain should stop very soon. If you are not treated, the pain may get worse and you could lose your tooth.

Causes: Toothaches and cavities are often caused by decay that spreads to the inside of the tooth. Decay is the break down of the outside covering of a tooth. This outside covering is called enamel. Toothaches are also caused by mouth injury or a cracked tooth. Your tooth may also hurt when you have a head cold, or sinus or dental infection (in-fek-shun). You may also have tooth pain after having dental work.

Signs and Symptoms: You may have dull or sharp, aching, burning, or throbbing pain in your mouth. You may have pain in your whole mouth or only in one part. Hot or cold foods may make the pain worse. It may also get worse when you bite or chew. You may have a fever or swollen gums.

Care: Medicines you can buy at the store like acetaminophen (uh-see-tuh-min-o-fin) and ibuprofen (i-bew-pro-fin) may ease the pain. Putting an ice pack on your jaw may also help lessen the pain. You may need to see a dentist.

Do's and Don'ts: To keep from getting a cavity, see a dentist every 6 months. Your dentist will check and clean your teeth. Brush your teeth 2 times a day and floss once a day.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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