A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth. Toothaches can be caused by simple issues like a popcorn kernel stuck in your gum to more serious dental problems like an abscess or broken tooth. Some tooth pains won’t get better on their own and you will need to see a dentist for treatment. If you’re suffering from a toothache, Willow Creek Smiles Family Dentistry in Tomball, Texas can help!

Toothache Causes

Toothache causes—and treatment options—can vary. Depending on your symptoms, you could have one of the following issues:

• Tooth decay or untreated cavities
• A tooth abscess (a bacterial infection inside the tooth)
• Tooth crack
• Broken tooth
• Damaged filling
• Gum infection or damage

Toothache Symptoms

Toothache pain can range from mild to severe, and it may be constant or intermittent. Pain in your tooth and mouth is the primary symptom of a toothache, but the type of pain can vary from:

• Sharp, throbbing, or constant pain on or around an infected/damaged tooth
• Pain that only occurs when pressure is applied to a tooth, gums, or jaw
• Swollen or painful gums
• Bad taste in the mouth (likely from an infection in a tooth)
• Fever or headache

Home Remedies for Toothaches

If you’re hoping to minimize pain from a toothache, you can try the following home remedies. Please talk with your dentist before using any of the home remedies listed below if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical condition that may be impacted by herbal ingredients.

• Saltwater rinse. Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water then use a mouthwash.
• Apply a cold compress on/near the area of pain.
• Use over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol or Advil to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Teabags. Apply a cold or warm tea bag to your tooth—but tea can stain teeth so don’t use this method often.

When to See the Dentist

If your pain is severe or has persisted for more than a day or two, it’s time to see your dentist. They can provide guidance on how to relieve your symptoms and prevent future pain. You should also see a dentist if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• fever
• trouble swallowing
• general pain that lasts more than one or two days
• swelling
• pain when you bite or chew 
• abnormally red gums
• foul-tasting discharge, or pus

If you’re experiencing tooth pain and need to see a dentist in Tomball, Texas, contact Willow Creek Smiles Family Dentistry today.

To many people, a morning coffee or afternoon glass of wine is a ritual that cannot be disturbed or broken, but as there are many joys that come with those drinks there are still many enamel-straining prices. There are 3 different types of staining that can happen to your teeth and different causes. Learn more below. If you are unhappy with the color of your smile, Willow Creek Smiles in Tomball, TX can help!

Types of Stains:

Tooth discoloration can be caused by surface stains, material changes in your teeth, or a mix of the two. Tooth discoloration can be divided into three types, according to dentists:

• Extrinsic Teeth Stains: These stains are a type of discoloration that affects the outer layer of your teeth. Extrinsic stains are not as permanent as the other types, these stains will not respond to simply brushing your teeth. If there are cracks on the teeth they can become deep-set and begin to be harder to remove. 
• Intrinsic Teeth Stains: This type of stain will be found on the inner layer of your teeth or the dentin. Though dentin is beneath the tooth enamel, the darkened dentin can cause the whole tooth to appear discolored. 
• Age-Related Teeth Stains: Age-related teeth stains are a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration. The core tissue of your teeth, the dentin, will naturally yellow over time causing your teeth to become discolored. Another factor that may cause your teeth to show discoloration is that the enamel of your teeth will become thinner allowing the dentin to show through. 

What Causes Teeth to Discolor?

There can be many causes when it comes to teeth stains. Certain drinks and foods can cause there to be stains on your teeth, but there can be a biological factor as well. Many times there can be ways to prevent these stains from appearing on your teeth and many that you can not control. This list can help you determine what the cause was behind the stains on your teeth.

1. Food & Drink: Coffee, dark sodas, red wine, and some fruits and vegetables can be so acidic that they cause staining.
2. Tobacco: Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can contribute to discoloration
3. Oral Care: Tooth discoloration can be caused by poor dental hygiene, such as insufficient brushing or flossing. Make sure you’re attending regular dental checkups every six months to retain a healthy mouth.
4. Trauma or Disease: Discolored teeth can result from any trauma, illness, or disease that impairs enamel formation in children, whether in the womb or while teeth are developing (under the age of 8). Adult teeth can sometimes become stained as a result of trauma. Discolored teeth can be caused by a number of disorders and therapies, chemotherapy and radiation, for example, cause tooth discoloration.
5. Medical Treatments: There are times when some medical treatments can contribute to your teeth staining as well as some medications. 

Ways to Help Clear Stains

There are a few remedies that can help lessen the impact of these causes. With help of some products, the coloration of your stains can become less apparent, but will not fully remove those stains. 

• Keeping a consistent healthy oral routine – brushing twice a day and daily flossing
• Twice-yearly visit to your dentist
• Limitation of teeth-staining beverages
• At-home remedies – brushing with baking soda products
• Professional teeth whitening

If you are interested in getting your teeth back to pearly white, contact Willow Creek Smiles in Tomball, TX today for a professional teeth whitening session!

Learn About Teeth Whitening

Has It Been A Long Time Since You’ve Been To The Dentist?

Going to the dentist might be frightening, but having an expectation of what to anticipate can help. Typically, you should visit the dentist for a checkup every six months to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. Checkups are not only beneficial for your general health, but they also provide your dentist the chance to give you advice on how to care for your teeth and spot any early signs of oral health issues. 

Here at Willow Creek Smiles in Tomball, TX, we understand that life can get in the way sometimes and appointments can get pushed back. That is why we strive to make our patients feel comfortable and at ease in the chair. Listed below is what to expect when you come in for a visit.

Physical Exam

A dental hygienist does the majority of teeth cleanings. The hygienist will examine your whole mouth before starting the cleaning, including the area surrounding your teeth and gums using a tiny mirror instrument to look for any indication of gingivitis (inflamed gums) or other potential issues. A doctor may come in during your cleaning if any serious problems are found to ensure that the procedure may proceed.

Education

Education is a significant component of the dental examination procedure. Any hygiene issues found will be discussed by the dental hygienist after the cleaning. If required, they’ll also demonstrate to you how to clean and floss your teeth more efficiently.

Exam

Your dentist and dental hygienist will next do an examination on your teeth, gums, and mouth to check for any indications of any issues, such as a cavity, gum disease, or early signs of oral cancer. Using the mirror equipment, the dentist will be able to examine your teeth and gums more clearly. If they notice any problems, they may suggest a particular treatment or send you to a specialist.

The importance of routine dental exams for your general health cannot be underlined. Dentists and hygienists are here to make sure you’re maintaining excellent oral and dental hygiene. Willow Creek Smiles in Tomball, TX is always available to assist you and answer your questions. Schedule your appointment today or call our office for my information. We look forward to meeting you!

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