Oral pain can range from tooth aches to jaw stiffness, but understanding why you’re experiencing pain is key to your treatment. Luckily, our emergency dentist in Lafayette, LA, is here to explain common causes of oral pain and what you can do about them.
Dr. Michael J. Young is a highly-skilled and qualified dentist serving Lafayette and Delcambre, LA. If you’re experiencing oral pain, don’t wait–schedule an appointment with our team at 23 Smiles today. Patients can request their appointment by calling (337) 237-6453 or by sending our team a message here.
In this post, our dentist in Lafayette, LA, discusses three causes of oral pain and how to treat them. With this information, you might be able to prevent worsening oral health issues down the road.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a condition in which patients experience a heightened response to temperature and pressure. So, some patients report extreme dental discomfort while eating ice cream, drinking coffee, or even while breathing. But, no matter when it happens, severe tooth sensitivity is never a good thing.
For many patients, tooth sensitivity is due to enamel loss. The protective layer that covers our teeth wears down over time, eventually leading to tooth discomfort, cavities, and abscesses. Restorative treatments, like dental fillings and veneers, reinforce weak tooth enamel, which prevents tooth sensitivity and dental decay.
Jaw Pain
Our jaws have incredibly active joints. We use them for everything from talking to yawning to eating. So, it’s no wonder that the jaw joint (also called the temporomandibular joint or TMJ) is frequently subject to overuse injuries.
But, our jaws aren’t just active–they’re strong, too. So strong, in fact, that we often unknowingly apply upwards of 250 pounds of pressure to our teeth and jaws as we grind our teeth while sleeping. Medical experts call this unconscious clenching and grinding of teeth ‘sleep bruxism’, and it affects nearly 10% of adults.
With prolonged bruxism comes jaw pain and dysfunction, ultimately resulting in a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Once patients develop a TMD, they can experience debilitating pain and dysfunction, making daily activities significantly more challenging. Luckily, life-changing bruxism and TMJ treatments can relieve the pain and help you regain your life.
Sores and Infections
Red, inflamed, and bloody sores or wounds in the mouth can be incredibly painful and result for many reasons, including:
- Cysts
- Abscesses (also called dental infections)
- Canker sores
- Oral cancer
Whatever the reason, signs of an infection are indicators that it’s time to call our dentist in Lafayette, LA, as soon as possible. Dr. Young will conduct a thorough exam to rule out more serious conditions and to make recommendations for your care.
Depending on the cause of the sore or infection, Dr. Young may suggest oral surgery or refer you to a specialist. Nevertheless, our team will help you get to the bottom of your oral pain.
Meet Our Dentist in Lafayette, LA, Today
You don’t have to live with debilitating oral pain. Schedule an appointment with our dentist in Lafayette, LA, today to stop the pain and reclaim your health.
Patients can request an appointment with Dr. Young by calling (337) 237-6453 or by sending our team a message here.
