Ouch! You just sat down to lunch, and your first bite brought on a shock of dental pain, and it doesn’t seem to be going away. What is causing your pain, and better yet, what can you do to make it stop? Here are the top 4 reasons for tooth pain in Lincoln along with how you should handle each.
1. Cavities
That’s right! Cavities are the number one cause of tooth pain across the globe. They usually develop due to a lack of oral hygiene, which allows plaque and bacteria in your mouth to break down your enamel. The best thing to do if you think you have a cavity is schedule an appointment with your dentist in Lincoln as quickly as possible. A cavity will only get worse over time, and there’s basically nothing you can do about it at home. Thankfully, your dentist will likely be able to fix it in just one visit using either a filling or crown.
2. Damaged Dental Restoration
Speaking of dental fillings and crowns, while they are certainly built to last, it’s still very common for them to become worn down and cracked over time. Once again, if you think that an old filling or crown has become damaged, your dentist should be your first call. They’ll likely be able to replace the restoration with a newer, more natural-looking one, plus they can remove any decay that has developed.
3. Cracked Teeth
For people who regular chew on ice, munch on pencils, or simply enjoy sweet treats like rock candy, cracked teeth are likely to happen. If you feel a sudden, sharp pain when biting down, a crack may be the culprit, even if you can’t see it! Much like a cavity, a crack will only get worse over time without professional help, so make sure you see your dentist right away.
4. Sensitive Teeth
Most of the time, the reason a tooth feels sensitive to hot or cold temperatures is because the enamel has worn down slightly, providing less protection for the delicate internal nerve. If the sensitivity comes on suddenly and goes away quickly, it usually isn’t a big deal. However, if it lingers for a while, it could be the sign of a bigger problem, so you should contact your dentist.
Tips to Avoid Tooth Pain
- The best way to prevent dental pain is to keep your teeth strong and healthy by brushing twice a day, flossing once, and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings
- Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, pens, pencils, extremely hard foods, etc.
- Don’t use your teeth to open packages or remove tags
- If you have sensitive teeth, use a sensitive-tooth toothpaste
While there are plenty of things that can cause dental pain, between your efforts at home and your dentist, you can ensure that you have a healthy, pain-free smile for many years to come.
About the Author
Are you currently experiencing any kind of dental pain? If so, Dr. Sean Pauley is ready and able to help. He and the rest of the team at Pioneer Greens Dentistry serve local families in Lincoln by providing a wide array of dental services under one roof, and he can help you find the root of the problem and get out of pain in just one easy appointment. For questions or to schedule an appointment, he can be contacted through his website.