Tooth Pain? Here’s What to Do—and How High Mountain Dentistry Can Help

Tooth pain can disrupt your entire day—or even your entire week. Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp twinge, or persistent throbbing, dental discomfort should never be ignored. While over-the-counter remedies might offer temporary relief, it’s important to understand what’s causing the pain and how to treat it properly. At High Mountain Dentistry, we provide personalized, professional care to help you find lasting relief from tooth pain—before it becomes a bigger problem.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain

Toothaches can stem from a variety of issues, some more serious than others. Common causes include:

• Cavities: Tooth decay is one of the most frequent reasons for dental pain. Bacteria break down enamel and dentin, causing sensitivity or pain when chewing or exposed to temperature changes.
• Gum Disease: Gingivitis and periodontitis can cause inflammation, bleeding, and pain, particularly near the gum line.
• Abscessed Tooth: An infection in the tooth’s root or surrounding tissue can result in intense pain, swelling, and even fever.
• Cracked or Broken Teeth: Damage from grinding, trauma, or chewing hard foods can expose nerves and cause discomfort.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Often occurring at night, this can lead to sore jaw muscles and aching teeth.
• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: These can press against other teeth and nerves, leading to pain and crowding.

What You Should Do When You Have Tooth Pain

1. Rinse and Examine

Start by rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water. This can help reduce inflammation and remove any debris. Check to see if the pain might be from a visible issue, like food stuck between teeth or a chipped tooth.

2. Use Cold Compresses

If there’s swelling or throbbing pain, a cold compress on the outside of your cheek can reduce inflammation and numb the area.

3. Avoid Trigger Foods

Steer clear of overly hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages, as these can aggravate sensitive teeth.

4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and swelling, but remember, this is a short-term solution—not a cure.

5. Don’t Delay Dental Care

Tooth pain is a sign that something needs professional attention. Delaying treatment can lead to more complex (and expensive) problems down the road.

How High Mountain Dentistry Can Help

At High Mountain Dentistry, we offer advanced diagnostics and compassionate care to identify and treat the root cause of your tooth pain.

Same-Day Emergency Appointments

We understand that dental pain can’t wait. That’s why we offer same-day emergency appointments to get you relief as quickly as possible.

Digital X-Rays and iTero Imaging

Our practice uses digital X-rays and iTero scanner technology to get a clear, detailed view of your teeth and gums. These tools help us detect hidden issues like small cracks, decay under fillings, or early signs of infection.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

Depending on the cause of your pain, we may recommend:

• Fillings or Crowns for cavities or cracked teeth
• Root Canal Therapy for infected or abscessed teeth
• Deep Cleanings for gum disease
• Tooth Extractions for impacted or severely damaged teeth
  
  

Preventive Care to Stop Pain Before It Starts

Regular checkups and cleanings are the best defense against dental pain. Our team emphasizes preventive care, patient education, and early intervention to keep your mouth healthy year-round.

When to See a Dentist Immediately

While some mild discomfort may pass, certain symptoms mean you should call us right away:

• Severe or sharp pain that doesn’t go away
• Swelling in your face or gums
• Fever or swollen lymph nodes
• Pain when biting down
• A cracked or knocked-out tooth

These signs could point to an infection or more serious dental issue that needs prompt care.

The High Mountain Promise

At High Mountain Dentistry, we’re committed to providing top-tier dental care in a warm, welcoming environment. Our goal is not just to treat your tooth pain, but to help you prevent it from returning. With flexible scheduling, modern technology, and a highly experienced team, we make it easier than ever to get the dental care you need—when you need it most.

Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Call High Mountain Dentistry today at 973-427-0300.

Sources:

1. American Dental Association. “Toothache.” MouthHealthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/toothaches
2. Mayo Clinic. “Toothache: Symptoms & Causes.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/toothache/basics/causes/sym-20050719
3. Cleveland Clinic. “Tooth Pain.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10952-tooth-pain