Our teeth, gums, and tongue are some of the most used portions of our bodies. We eat and speak every day, which means taking care of your oral hygiene is one of the essential pieces to overall well-being. But even with the best oral care routine and a healthy diet, sometimes we experience toothaches, sensitivity, numbness, or worse. If you are experiencing oral pain, be it minor or severe, you’re probably wondering what you can do about it. There are a few options to consider, some smarter than others, so let’s look.
Minor Tooth & Gum Aches
If you are starting to notice some pain when you chew at the tooth, the root, or the gums, it could be for a few different reasons. The most common of these would be acute pain from overusing your teeth or unintentionally grinding them. This can happen to anyone and typically runs its course in a few days, and the pain dissipates entirely. But a minor persistent toothache that does not go away is likely the sign of something more severe than just overuse.
First, let’s look at your dental hygiene routine. Do you brush and floss two times a day? How consistently are you flossing? Do you spit out some blood when you floss? This is a sign you need to floss more regularly. Are you using anti-cavity toothpaste? What about oral rinse and mouthwash? If you’re doing all of these, cavities can still form though you’ll help them stay away. The most common cause of a toothache is a cavity developing where the tooth enamel begins to rot, and bacteria eat away at the tooth. It would be best if you got to the dentist to get it looked at and a treatment plan developed. It may b something simple or a more severe cavity you can’t see yourself. Only your dentist can truly make this determination.
Severe Oral & Gum Pain
If the pain you’re experiencing keeps you up at night or prevents you from doing your regular daily routine, it is more severe. You should go to your dentist immediately. For example, if you have a cavity that has gotten so intense it has reached the tooth root, the pain will be excruciating. This severe pain will also not stop until the underlying issue is resolved, usually with a root canal or even the tooth being removed entirely. This is why going to the dentist regularly can help prevent things from getting to this point.
Gum pain can be a sign of something worse than a cavity. Oral cancers can lead to pain in the mouth and gums. Your dentist will know what to look for and how to test for this. If you are lucky, you won’t need a root canal or a tooth extraction as it is always a last resort but will fix the problem. The underlying cause is something else, and you should discuss your habits and oral hygiene routine with your dentist. There is likely room for improvement.
Finding the Right Dentist in Brooklyn, NY
There are thousands of dental practices in NYC and Kings County a lot as well. If you live in southern Brooklyn, how do you determine which dentist best fits you? Your insurance, if you have it, proximity to the office, length of time treating the area, and reviews should all be considered. If you’re looking for the Best Dentist in Coney Island NY, look no further than Coney Island Dental and over 40 years of local expertise.
We proudly serve our patients, who are our neighbors and help more than 4,000 patients a year with their oral care. Give us a call today, and let’s schedule your upcoming appointment. New patients receive a cleaning and x-ray discount.