Whether it’s minor temporary pain or an urgent dental emergency, tooth pain can be a real pain in the neck – or in this instance, the mouth.
You may find yourself in a predicament where you don’t know if it’s time to tough it out or contact your family dentist for help. Here at Lasting Smiles of Bethlehem, we encourage our patients to attend regular dental cleanings and routine check-ups (typically twice a year) to minimize the chance of experiencing extreme dental pain. Be sure to mention any pain or discomfort you may be feeling in your teeth or gums during these appointments. But don’t fret – if you are in a large amount of pain, we are here to take care of your dental needs year-round.
Preventive Care is Key!
In order to prevent severe tooth pain and discomfort from occurring, it is up to you to protect your teeth to the best of your ability! Be sure to visit your Bethlehem family dentist semi-annually for cleanings and check-ups. That way our dental team here at Lasting Smiles of Bethlehem can thoroughly inspect your mouth for any potential dental mishaps that may cause such pain down the road. It is also important to follow good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Preventive dental care is just as it sounds – it helps PREVENT dental problems from occurring in the first place!
How to Manage the Pain at Home
Mild toothaches or tooth sensitivity can mean a number of things. Typically, if the pain goes away in a day or two, it is not considered an emergency situation – but be sure to mention the pain to your family dentist at your next appointment. Cold compresses, over the counter pain medicine, pain-relieving gels and/or ice can help ease the pain of random toothaches. If you are experiencing sensitivity to hot, cold or acidic drinks/foods, avoid those foods for the time being and try using a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth gently and discontinue the use of any at-home teeth whitening products until you consult with your dentist. If you keep up with healthy oral hygiene preventive care and try these other remedies as needed, your teeth discomfort should hopefully go away on its own. However, if you’re still in pain after a day or two, be sure to contact your dentist right away.
I’m in Dire Pain – What Now?
If you are experiencing a severe toothache that has lasted more than a couple of days, it could be an indicator that there is a larger underlying problem that needs to be addressed right away.
Some symptoms of extreme teeth discomfort are:
● Constant or intermittent shooting nerve pain
● Swelling of gums
● Bad Taste/Odor in mouth
● Sensitivity to temperature (hot or cold)
● Discomfort when biting down or chewing
● Visual signs of breakdown of tooth structure
If these apply to how you are feeling, let us help you address that tooth pain you have been experiencing. Please contact us at Lasting Smiles of Bethlehem at (610) 861-0777 today. Our family dentistry, located right here in Bethlehem, PA is here to serve all of your family’s dental needs in the best way possible.
