Whether you’ve been a workout enthusiast for years or are recently starting your healthy lifestyle journey, there may be one unexpected thing holding you back: tooth pain. After all, you expect to feel your muscles burning during your workout and soreness the day or two after, but discomfort stemming from your mouth can be extremely unpleasant. Read on as an emergency dentist in Lakewood Dallas shares four potential reasons why it may be happening to you.
#1. Bruxism
Do you find yourself clenching your teeth when getting to the end of your set? Or grinding your teeth as you start the home stretch of your last mile? Then the source of your tooth pain may be bruxism. This potentially hazardous, often unconscious, habit of gritting your teeth when you are stressed or working hard can result in soreness, discomfort, and aches during and after your exercise. Fortunately, you can help prevent that from happening by intentionally relaxing your jaw to keep your muscles loose and your teeth apart.
#2. Cold Sensitivity
If you only seem to experience tooth pain in the winter months, then the cold air may be the culprit, especially if your teeth are already prone to sensitivity. To keep your workout pain-free, try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. This will ensure your lips, tongue, and cheeks will keep your teeth insulated as much as possible. If you continue to struggle with sensitivity, especially in response to hot and cold foods and beverages, then contact your dental team right away.
#3. Sinus Problems
Believe it or not, your tooth pain may be a result of something completely outside your oral health, like a sinus infection. With this in mind, look for common symptoms, like trouble breathing through your nose, swelling around your eyes, and coughing. If you begin to experience any of these in conjunction with your tooth pain, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician for treatment.
#4. Oral Health Concerns
From a decayed tooth to a neglected infection, it’s possible the source of your discomfort is an untreated oral health concern. Since your blood flow increases while you exercise, it can exacerbate inflammation, causing your teeth and gums to hurt in the process. To prevent further damage from occurring, contact your emergency dentist right away.
Whether you have some new goals you want to smash or staying consistent is the plan, the last thing you want is for tooth pain to stand in your way. If you believe an untreated dental concern is to blame, then make sure to get in touch with your dental team sooner rather than later!
About the Author
Dr. Drew Vanderbrook earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry, and he has been helping patients achieve pristine oral health and gorgeous smiles ever since! In fact, his clinical expertise, extensive experience, and genuine passion for his craft have resulted in him winning multiple awards, including the “New Dentist of the Year Award” by the Dallas County Dental Society. If you are struggling with tooth pain while you exercise or are looking for a dentist in Lakewood Dallas, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 214-821-5200.