When to see your Stockton dentist and what you can do now to relieve discomfort

Tooth pain is more than a nuisance; it’s your body telling you something is wrong. As working parents who are juggling jobs, schedules, and kids, the last thing you need is a toothache. At Galvez Dental in Stockton, CA, we understand how disruptive tooth pain can be. We see many families who delay care because they’re unsure what’s causing the pain or whether it’s serious enough to call us.

In this post, we’ll walk through the most common causes of tooth pain, what they feel like, what you can do right away, and when you should seek emergency dental care. We hope this helps you make informed decisions and feel confident in trusting our team as your family dentist in Stockton.

You sip something hot or cold, and get a sharp twinge or lingering ache. The pain is brief but noticeable.

• Overbrushing (with a hard-bristled brush or too much force) can wear away enamel and expose dentin.
  
  
• Acidic foods and drinks (citrus, soda) can erode enamel.
  
  
• Aggressive teeth whitening, bleaching products, or improper at-home treatments.
  
  
• Gum recession (from periodontal issues or brushing too hard) exposes the roots.
  

• Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle technique.
  
  
• Switch to a desensitizing toothpaste (containing potassium nitrate or strontium chloride).
  
  
• Avoid extremely acidic or hot/cold extremes until the sensitivity improves.
  
  
• Use a fluoride rinse or gel to help remineralize enamel.
  

If sensitivity worsens (pain lasting more than a few seconds) or you notice a dark spot or change in color on the tooth, you might be dealing with decay underneath. 

A persistent aching or sharp pain in a specific spot. It may worsen with sugary foods. You might see a visible pit, dark spot, or discoloration.

Decay starts when plaque bacteria produce acids that erode enamel. Over time, the damage penetrates deeper and irritates the nerve. Without intervention, decay may progress into the pulp (nerve) of the tooth.

• Rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz water) to reduce inflammation.
  
  
• Keep the area clean; brush gently but thoroughly.
  
  
• Avoid sugary or sticky foods that lodge in the cavity.
  
  
• Using over-the-counter pain relief (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed on the label can help until you see your dentist.
  

At Galvez Dental, we perform thorough exams, cleanings, and use X‑rays to detect hidden decay. We use tooth-colored fillings and, if needed, crowns or restorative procedures (e.g. bridges) to restore the tooth. In cases where decay extends deeply, root canal therapy may be required. 

Sharp, intermittent pain when biting or releasing pressure, or sensitivity to temperature. The pain may come and go.

• Biting on hard objects (ice, popcorn kernels, pens)
  
  
• Grinding or clenching (bruxism)
  
  
• Trauma (accident, sports injury)
  
  
• Teeth weakened by large fillings or decay
  

• Rinse with warm salt water.
  
  
• Use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover sharp edges temporarily.
  
  
• Avoid chewing on that side.
  
  
• Use over-the-counter pain medication as directed if needed.
  

We evaluate the extent of damage via examination and imaging. For minor chips, cosmetic bonding may suffice. For cracks extending into deeper layers, a crown or, in rare cases, a root canal might be needed. At Galvez Dental, we offer same-day crowns (CEREC technology) so you don’t have to wait weeks for your restoration.

Severe, constant, throbbing pain that may radiate into the jaw or ear. These symptoms could also be accompanied by swelling, sensitivity to pressure, and sometimes a foul taste (due to pus drainage).

When bacteria reach the pulp (nerve) of a tooth, either through deep decay, cracks, trauma, or a failing restoration, a dental abscess or pulpitis can ensue. This infection causes pressure and inflammation inside the confined space of the tooth.

• Rinse with warm salt water to soothe inflammation.
  
  
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers.
  
  
• Apply a cold compress externally to reduce swelling (avoid placing the compress directly on a sore tooth).
  
  
• Avoid anything that puts pressure on the tooth (such as chewing on that side).
  
  

This is a dental emergency. If left untreated, infection can spread and cause serious complications. At Galvez Dental, we provide emergency dentistry to address pain, drain abscesses, and perform root canal therapy when necessary. 

In many cases, the root canal eliminates infection while preserving your natural tooth. Afterward, the tooth will typically receive a crown (often on the same day) to protect it

Sharp pain, looseness, or sensitivity following a blow or impact. You might even see a cracked, displaced, or missing piece.

Sports accidents, falls, or collisions can damage teeth. Even if a tooth appears intact, the root or pulp may have been impacted.

• Rinse mouth with warm water.
  
  
• If a tooth is knocked out, try to carefully reinsert it (if possible) or keep it in milk or saline and bring it with you to the office.
  
  
• Apply a cold compress externally (not directly against the tooth).
  
  
• Use a cold or soft food diet until evaluated.
  

We evaluate traumatic injuries and determine whether the tooth can be saved with root canal, bonding, splinting, or crown. Because we provide both general and emergency services at our Stockton location, we can often manage traumatic dental injuries quickly and under one roof. 

You experience pain in your teeth, but the origin is elsewhere, such as sinus pressure, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, or muscle tension. The sensation may shift or be dull and diffuse.

• Sinus congestion or sinus infection can create pressure in the upper molars (which share roots near the sinuses).
  
  
• TMJ problems or bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause pain in the jaw, which is felt in the teeth.
  
  
• Muscle strain or neck tension can radiate to the jaw.
  

• Take antihistamines or decongestants if you suspect sinus involvement (after checking with your physician).
  
  
• Use a soft food diet and gentle jaw stretching exercises.
  
  
• Use warm compresses over the jaw joint to relax muscles.
  
  
• Avoid clenching, chewing gum, and hard foods.
  

If primary dental causes are ruled out and you still have persistent pain, we may coordinate with your ENT (for sinus) or refer you to TMJ specialists. At Galvez Dental, we'll perform a thorough evaluation to pinpoint whether the pain originates in a tooth or is “referred.” Our priority is making sure nothing serious is missed. 

At Galvez Dental, we believe in comprehensive, family-centered care. We proudly offer:



• General Dentistry: Cleanings, exams, fillings, and preventive care for patients of all ages.
  
  
• Emergency Dentistry: When you're facing tooth pain, infection, or trauma, we prioritize treating you promptly.
  
  
• Pediatric Dental Care: Our team is skilled in treating children with a gentle, caring approach, making every visit comfortable and stress-free.
  
  
• Advanced Technology: We use same-day crowns (CEREC) so you often don’t need multiple visits to restore heavily damaged teeth.
  
  
• Restorative Options: Root canal therapy, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures are all available in-house at our Stockton office.
  
  
• Personalized Atmosphere: Family-owned, caring staff, and a practice that’s been serving Stockton for over 40 years.

When you call us with a toothache, we’ll first evaluate urgency. In many cases, we can schedule you for a same-day appointment, perform an examination and X-rays, and begin treatment (or pain relief) right away.

Call Galvez Dental (209) 465-5823 or visit our Stockton office if you experience:

• Intense, unrelenting pain
  
  
• Swelling spreading to your face or jaw
  
  
• A dental abscess (pocket of pus, foul taste, drainage)
  
  
• A knocked-out tooth
  
  
• Crack or chip causing sharp edges or exposing nerves
  
  
• Fever or difficulty swallowing in conjunction with dental pain
  
  

These signs can indicate infection or structural damage that requires prompt attention.

It’s easier (and more cost-effective) to prevent a toothache than to fix it. Here are actionable tips for you and your children:



• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and consider using a mouth rinse.
  
  
• Choose soft-bristled brushes and avoid aggressive technique.
  
  
• Limit acidic and sugary foods/drinks, such as sodas, citrus, and sticky candy.
  
  
• Encourage water and healthy snacks, such as cheese, nuts, and crisp vegetables.
  
  
• Use fluoride treatments or varnishes. We offer these in-office for kids.
  
  
• Avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice, popcorn kernels, or pencils.
  
  
• Wear mouthguards during sports.
  
  
• Don’t delay checkups. Our six-month exams help catch issues early.
  
  
• Teach kids proper brushing technique and rinse habits.
  
  
• Monitor for grinding or clenching. Ask your dentist if a night guard is needed.
  
  
• Prioritize early dental visits for kids. The ADA recommends a first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth.
  
  

As working parents, scheduling can be tight. Galvez Dental strives to offer flexible scheduling and prompt appointments so your family’s dental health isn’t sidelined.

Tooth pain rarely resolves on its own, and ignoring it can turn a small issue into a major one. Whether your child is complaining of a toothache or you’re enduring a nagging ache yourself, trust Galvez Dental in Stockton to help you promptly and compassionately.

We offer full-spectrum dental care, including general dentistry, emergency services, pediatric care, and advanced restorative options, all under one roof. Our family-owned practice has served Stockton for over four decades, and we treat you like part of our dental family. 

Ready to get relief?
Don’t wait. Call us now at (209) 465-5823 to schedule an evaluation or emergency visit. Let us help you and your child smile without pain.