J David Whitaker DDS

02/04/2026

09/07/2025

🦷Why does a toothache hurt so bad?

It’s easy to think it’s “just a bad tooth,” but the pain runs much deeper. Every tooth is wired with tiny nerve endings that connect straight into the trigeminal nerve — one of the strongest, most sensitive pain pathways in the entire body. Once triggered, it shoots signals to the brain in milliseconds, turning tooth pain into an alarm you simply can’t ignore.

That’s why a toothache can feel:
• Sharp and stabbing.
• Radiating into the jaw, head, or ear.
• Strong enough to disrupt sleep, focus, and even mood.

Tooth pain isn’t random. It’s a survival signal — warning of hidden trouble like cavities, abscesses, or inflammation. What makes it worse is that the brain often struggles to pinpoint the exact source, so the ache spreads across the face, creating the illusion that “everything hurts.”

So if a toothache ever sidelines you, know this: it’s not an overreaction — it’s your nervous system on high alert, trying to protect you.

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⚕️ Reminder: This post is educational only. Ongoing or severe tooth pain always needs a proper dental check-up.

11/06/2024

06/05/2024

What better day of the week for Reeses Cupcakes.

03/05/2024

Dental Assistant Recognition Week 2024

It’s a Dental Assistant Recognition Week! Help us thank and recognize our dental assistants for all of their hard work and contributions. Thank you for everything you do. 💚 🦷 💙

03/20/2022

Thankful for our Dental Assistants and happy to celebrate Dental Assistants Week with them.

07/06/2021

We would like to congratulate Kristyne Burchett on her new position with Wright Memorial. Kristyne has worked hard to obtain her CMA, while filling in with our office. We look forward To seeing her complete her goals to become a nurse anesthetist. Keep reaching for the stars! We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

03/29/2021

We have an awesome staff of qualified professionals and are seeking an additional dental assistant to join our team. We are hiring candidates that are confident, friendly, and compassionate team players. We are a progressive practice that strives to provide exceptional care. We have state-of-the art technology, digital x-rays, and continue to upgrade our practice. Compensation is based on years of experience and performance. Monday through Thursday and every other Friday.  description-  Recording medical information taking BP, assisting dentist with treatment, taking x-rays, sterilization, treatment room set up.

01/25/2021

From the reused metal tools to the prospect of opening one's mouth for long periods, we asked experts about the safety of dentist visits in a pandemic

12/03/2019

One of our favorite Christmas Trees. Emily Culbertson.

05/13/2019

May 13th Whitaker Dental has babies hatching.