Ask a Family Dentist: Is Tooth Pain a Warning Sign?

Family Dentist Lancaster, PA

Tooth pain is common in individuals of all ages, which makes it a top priority for family dentists to address. Every type of tooth pain is different, however, in general, it is an indicator that something else is wrong. When experiencing tooth pain, it can be helpful to become familiar with what it may mean. 

What can tooth pain mean?

Tooth pain is not usually an isolated incident. Instead, it usually indicates that there is a more serious problem, such as gum disease or cavities, both of which may not be noticeable otherwise. In other scenarios, tooth pain may be a warning sign of wisdom tooth eruption or a problem with bruxism. 

Gum disease

Patients who do not follow a proper everyday oral hygiene routine may be experiencing tooth pain due to gum disease. There are four stages of gum disease and even during the first stage patients will often experience swollen, tender and/or bleeding gums. Because the gums are not in a healthy state when suffering from an infection, there may also be a negative effect on the teeth, thus causing pain. The longer someone has gum disease and does not seek treatment, the more likely they will experience tooth pain.

A broken or cracked tooth

When an individual breaks or cracks one of their teeth, it can cause them to experience pain in that tooth. This pain often stems from the damaged tooth affecting the pulp, which is where the nerves and blood vessels live. When the nerves become damaged due to a break or crack, the individual is likely to experience an immense amount of discomfort, thus requiring the attention of a family dentist

Cavities

Tooth pain can be a warning sign that a dental patient is in need of cavity treatment. Untreated cavities will eventually begin to affect the deeper layers of the tooth and once the infection reaches the pulp, the individual is likely to experience discomfort. Cavities can be hard to identify, however, pain is the number one indicator. Cavity pain may be dull, sharp or aching, and in some cases, it may only be present when chewing occurs. 

Other things to note

In other instances, the eruption of wisdom teeth or constant teeth grinding can be the cause of dental pain. Wisdom teeth often force the other adult teeth to shift, which can result in soreness. Additionally, those that grind their teeth throughout the night or during the day may experience discomfort. A family dentist may recommend extraction of wisdom teeth and a night guard for bruxism habits. 

Find out more about tooth pain

Tooth pain is oftentimes unbearable, which can result in difficulty eating. Any level of tooth pain should be taken to a family dentist for an evaluation. The quicker the pain is evaluated, the quicker a diagnosis can be made, which will then allow for a treatment plan to be carried out. 

To learn more about tooth pain and what it might mean, reach out today. 

Are you considering using a family dentist in the Lancaster area? Get more information at https://lancasterpadentist.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Lancaster, PA.

Recent Posts

Tips To Prevent Stained Teeth From A Family Dentist

Stained teeth can present a whole host of problems, however, with the help of a family dentist, there are a few ways that they can be prevented. Additionally, understanding the causes of tooth staining can help individuals better prevent them from developing in the future. Family dentists are great resources to utilize when looking for ways…

5 Benefits Of Choosing A Family Dentist In Lancaster Close To Home

Want to understand the benefits of choosing a family dentist who can provide your family with the necessary dental services they need? One of the more important benefits of a family dentist is that they treat dental patients of all ages, which means they know which treatment options are ideal for children and which ones…

Seeking Timely Treatment To Avoid A Dental Emergency

A dental emergency can be a difficult situation for people. Suffering a mouth injury or dealing with an unexpected oral health issue is oftentimes very scary. It can also be difficult to determine exactly what needs to be done to ensure the situation is taken care of properly.Fortunately, there are certain steps that everyone can…

Going To An Emergency Dentistry Office For An Abscessed Tooth During The COVID-19 Outbreak

A tooth abscess is an infection that often requires a prompt visit to the emergency dentistry office. With the lockdown in place due to the COVID-19 outbreak, dentists have limited dental procedures to emergency treatment. The extent of pain and swelling typically determines if there is a dental emergency. However, if the abscessed tooth is…

Recent Posts

Are CEREC Crowns Stronger Than Traditional Ones?

Are CEREC Crowns Stronger Than Traditional Ones?

A common question dentists receive about CEREC crowns® is whether they are as strong as traditional crowns. To answer this question, it is important to understand what CEREC® crowns and traditional crowns are made of and which material is stronger. This article is a review of which restoration option is stronger. CEREC crowns are most notably…

Maintenance Tips After Professional Teeth Whitening

3 Maintenance Tips After Professional Teeth Whitening

Wondering why dental patients are choosing professional teeth whitening in-office services? Having a dental professional make all the decisions allows for a safe whitening procedure that offers immediate and long-lasting results.Choosing to undergo professional teeth whitening services means patients will be under the supervision of a dental professional. This means there is no need for…