Whether we want to admit it or not, we all experience it; the sudden, sharp pain that we can explain running through one of our teeth. We usually ignore it as long as possible before we go to the dentist, which can actually cause the problem to be harder to solve. Toothaches happen to everyone for reasons as small as a canker sore or as serious as gum disease. If you are experiencing severe toothaches or pain, schedule an appointment with a Lifepoint Dental office for emergency dental care today.(Portable X-ray Machine)
Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the most common cause of toothache. Everyday exposure to harmful substances, such as sugars, acids, and starches, can wear down the enamel on your teeth. If these substances are left on teeth for an extended period of time, they form layers of plaque on teeth which then combines with bacteria to create tooth-eroding acid. While the early stages of tooth decay are fairly common, it is also easy to prevent. Brush and floss your teeth daily and schedule regular teeth cleaning and dental hygiene checkups at Lifepoint Dental in Ames, Ankeny, Des Moines or any of our convenient locations.
Infected Gums or Gum Disease

Swollen gums can be a result of plaque buildup as well. Along with dental hygiene, nutrition also plays a large role in the health of your gums; certain vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin C, can cause inflammation in the gums. It is important to take the same dietary and food precautions for your gums, as you do your teeth. Brushing your teeth too often or too hard can also lead to gum inflammation and receding gumlines. Other causes might be Gingivitis or Periodontitis. The Lifepoint Dental Dentists can assist you if you think you might be suffering from gum inflammation related to disease.
Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth can occur from a broken or chipped tooth. The opening in the tooth allows for bacteria to slip down into the pulp of the tooth. If you have a broken or abscessed tooth, Lifepoint Dental Partners can help with tooth repair and treatment!
Tooth Fracture

Breaking a tooth is awful, but it happens to the best of us! There are many different types of tooth fracture ranging from minor chips and cracks all the way to split teeth and cracks in the root. To prevent these oral injuries, be sure to wear a mouthguard if you are involved in activities that may involve trauma to the face. Ask your Lifepoint Dental office about their custom sports mouth guards! It is also important to note that good dental hygiene makes teeth stronger and more resistant to breakage. If you do have a tooth break, be sure to contact Lifepoint Dental Partners for any emergency tooth repair needs.
Old or Damaged Fillings

On average, a typical white tooth filling lasts 7-10 years. Just as dental hygiene affects the lifespan of your own teeth, it also affects the lifespan of your dental fillings. Patients who got fillings in their youth or early adulthood may experience a damaged filling in their lifetime. If you have a filling that has fallen out or is damaged, this may cause tooth pain as it leaves the nerve of the tooth exposed. Lifepoint Dental specializes in tooth repair and can fix any of your old or broken fillings.
Repetitive Motions

If you are a compulsive gum or ice chewer, you may be at risk of toothache. You may also experience jaw or tooth ache if you grind your teeth. These repetitive motions wear down the outer protective layer of your teeth and can cause mild to severe tooth pain. It is important to talk to your dental care provider about how to vary your routine and create healthy dental habits to prevent these from wearing down your gums or tooth enamel.
Lifepoint Dental Care: Your Central Iowa Family Dentist

If you are experiencing any kind of toothache or mouth pain, be sure to check out Lifepoint Dental for your family dentist. Lifepoint Dental has six different dental offices including West Des Moines, Ankeny, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids, Ames and St. Charles, Missouri. Please contact us today to make an appointment and get your best smile back.(Teeth Whitening Machine)