Discomfort is unavoidable, but not permanent.

An unfortunate fact of life is that sometimes it comes with discomfort. As time goes on we get a little better at ignoring this pain and discomfort—that can be an issue on its own. Humans shouldn’t have to be in pain throughout their lives, but we are notorious for pushing it aside and carrying on.

The same is true with tooth pain. If you’re dealing with a sore tooth, it’s a sign that something might be going on. It’s best not to ignore it! You never know for sure what’s going on beneath the surface, and addressing it early can prevent further issues.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain

Toothaches aren’t all that uncommon, and occasionally it can be due to something as simple as sleeping funny or having a piece of food trapped in there. But that’s not always the case. Oftentimes, it can be a sign that there’s something else going on beneath the surface.

A very common cause for tooth pain is pesky cavities and tooth decay. The food we consume mixes with our saliva, creating the perfect substance to start eating away at the tooth’s enamel. Over time, this becomes a full-blown hole, and the tooth officially has a cavity. This is not something you want to ignore, as tooth decay will continue to spread if left untreated.

Gum disease is yet another common problem. Sometimes the gums can be just slightly sore, or bleed a little bit after brushing your teeth. Other times it can appear as swollen, bloody gums that just won’t settle down. This can lead to problems with infection or even eventual tooth loss.

No matter how hard we try to avoid them, accidents sometimes happen. Often, this results in cracked or chipped teeth. This will inevitably lead to pain and discomfort. It can be much harder to eat with an injured tooth, and your speech can even become affected.

Sometimes, a person’s teeth can be sensitive to hot or cold. Though inconvenient, it’s not uncommon. This can be caused by thinning enamel, medical conditions or treatments, or even genetics. If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity, be sure to ask for suggestions. There are likely things that can be done to make you feel comfortable again.

When to Worry About Tooth Pain

So, if toothaches and pain are relatively common, when are you supposed to start worrying about it? The general rule is that if the tooth pain doesn’t go away within a few days, it’s time to give us a call. Sure, it could just be a pesky piece of lettuce stuck where you can’t get to it. But remember, that’s what you want to hear! Besides, we can fix that problem in about two seconds and send you on your merry way.

Swelling is a sign that something more is going on. If you’re dealing with any swelling in the face or gums, it’s time to go in. If there’s an infection hiding in there, you don’t want it to get worse. In the same way, you want to come in if you have a fever or bad breath accompanying the pain. This is another sign that an infection might be brewing.

If you notice a sharp pain while biting and chewing, go ahead and give us a call. Tooth pain shouldn’t interfere with your day-to-day life, and everyone deserves to eat without pain!

How We Can Help

Ideally, when you’re dealing with tooth pain, you want to hear that it’s no big deal to fix. But sometimes it requires a little extra help to get your smile back on track. Here at Lake Pointe Dental Group, we have our methods to get your smile in order. Perhaps you need fillings to stop the cavities in their tracks. Other times, a little extra work might be required, such as root canals or crowns.

No matter what the cause of your toothache, you can trust that we will do everything we can to get you comfortable again. We take our time to ensure each of our patients are treated as the individuals they are. We strive to keep each patient comfortable every step of the way, all the while offering personalized care.

Preventing Tooth Pain in the Future

If at all possible, we want to prevent those pesky toothaches and pains. But how can we do that when they seem to pop out of nowhere? Sure, we can’t avoid all the pains in our lives, but there are ways to lessen the chances of ending up with problems from tooth pain.

Keep at your daily oral care routine every single day. Set alarms if needed! Whatever you do, make sure those teeth get brushed for two minutes twice a day and flossed at least once. You might be surprised to see how much of a difference that alone can make. While you’re at it, be sure to keep your bi-yearly cleaning appointments. This way we can find any problems before they really have a chance to take hold, keeping your mouth healthy, shining, and pain-free.

Time for a Pain-Free Life

You don’t have to live your life with pain. If you have any tooth discomfort, rest assured that it doesn’t have to be permanent. Whether you’re just needing a regular cleaning or need to check out a toothache, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with us here at Lake Pointe Dental Group to ensure a healthy, pain-free smile for the whole family.