Do you have pain in your mouth that just won’t go away? Do you wince when you eat something hot or cold? Do you have sore teeth or jaw pain when you wake up in the morning? There are many reasons why you may be having a tooch ache. Too many people suffer in silence and avoid seeing Dr. Joy Lunan’s dental office.

People avoid the dentist for many reasons - cost, time, fear, embarassment – are just a few reasons people use. It is very much worth taking the time or overcoming your fears or embarrassment to take care of your teeth. Toothaches can be very painful and poor oral health will eventually affect your overall health. 

So what causes a toothache anyway? Whenever we eat, the natural bacteria in our mouths turn the sugars found in our food into an acid byproduct. If we don’t clean this acid off of our teeth when we brush and floss it will eat away at the outer layer (enamel) of our teeth. As the enamel gets eaten away the second layer of our teeth (Dentin) starts to decay. If not treated by Dr. Joy Lunan this decay will eventually progress into the area of our teeth where the nerve is. Over time, the tooth will become sensitive to sensations like hot, cold or pressure. Infection will start to set in causing even more discomfort and sometimes swelling. 

A major contibuting factor in tooth decay is the rise in consumption of fizzy drinks . Even if these drinks are sugar free they are still acidic in nature. Try drinking these drinks through a straw so the acid in them bypasses the teeth, lowering the risk for tooth decay. 

There are many reasons why a person may be feeling tooth pain. Sometimes we can experience pain if we get food stuck in between our teeth and cannot remove it. The gum tissues can become red and inflamed as well causing further discomfort. Trauma to the teeth from sports or from grinding our teeth can cause tooth pain as well. When we grind our teeth we wear away enamel, exposing the second layer of tooth which contains tiny nerve endings. These nerve endings are sensitive to certain foods and temparatures. Gum disease can lead to receding gums, exposing the root surfaces of the teeth. These root surfaces can be sensitive as they also have tiny nerve endings in them. Sometimes, even a sinus infection can be felt as a toothache.

What should you do if you have toothache? Most importantly, call Dr. Lunan as soon as possible to schedule an appointment so she can evaluate your needs and start to get you out of pain. When you call us, ask what Dr. Lunan recommends to help reduce the pain until your appointment. Typically, over the counter pain relievers will work to reduce inflammation and some discomfort. Gargling with warm salt water can help to sooth irritated gum tissues. Pay attention to your symptoms. When did the pain start? How frequent is it? Are you sensitive to hot or cold foods? Does it  hurt when you chew? Does the pain linger? These are all things Dr. Lunan will ask you at your appointment.

If you have pain that wakes you up at night for more than a day or two, a fever, signs of swelling or trouble breathing or swallowing do not hesitate to go to the Emergency Room!

The key is to do everything in your power to prevent a toothache from happening. Regular visits to see Dr. Lunan will help to ensure that plaque and tartar do not build up on your teeth, leading to cavities and more serious or painful conditions. Try cutting back on snacks or sugary drinks throughout the day. Even if you sip on only one soda a day, by sipping it slowly like this, the sugars in the soda stay on your teeth all day long, leaving you more susceptible to getting tooth decay. Brushing and flossing twice a day is best. You may even want to try an electric toothbrush, focusing on the gumline and brushing in circular strokes over the teeth. 

If you think you are at risk for decay or a toothache or are in pain right now, please – don’t wait. Call Dr. Joy Lunan’s dental office today. We will do our very best to get you comfortable again and on the right oral health track to avoid further discomfort.   (203) 598-7920  Check our reviews.