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What To Do When You Have A Toothache

A toothache can be caused by anything from a popcorn shell wedged between your teeth, to a broken tooth, or even a bacterial infection. Some issues that cause a toothache may result in simple gum irritation, and others may require specialized treatment by a dental professional to resolve the issue.

It is incredibly important to seek out your local dentist if you are experiencing a prolonged toothache, as it may indicate an infection. Continue reading to learn more about the various causes and solutions for sensitive teeth, so you can decide if your toothache needs to be seen by a dentist.

The Causes of Toothaches

Toothaches are often caused by cavities. If this is the case, your tooth probably hurts when you drink and eat, especially so when you bite into your food. You may also feel tooth sensitivity when consuming a sugary drink or snack.

Some early indicators that your toothache is due to a cavity are bad breath, and noticeable cracks, discoloring, or pits in the tooth. Mention any unusual occurrences to your dentist when you schedule an appointment. 

Other possible causes of a toothache include tooth decay, infected gums, a damaged filling, sudden temperature sensitivity (either hot or cold), or a broken or fractured tooth. If you notice any of these issues, be sure to contact a dentist immediately. 

Can I Treat My Toothache at Home?

Home treatments should not be used as a permanent solution, but it is possible to use homemade toothache solutions to ease your pain until you manage to see your local dentist. Here are some options for temporary relief of a toothache:

Take an anti-inflammatory to decrease swelling as well as blunt the pain. It is important to not exceed the daily recommended dose. An anti-inflammatory medication will treat both potential swelling and tenderness.

Rinse your mouth with salt water or hydrogen peroxide. It is imperative to keep your mouth as clean as possible. To remove any harmful debris from your mouth and provide some pain relief, swish around salt water or hydrogen peroxide.

Apply either a hot towel or cold compress to your jaw or the affected area. A hot towel will boost the flow of blood and nutrients, while a cold compress will slow the flow of blood, reduce swelling, and reduce pain. Make sure to wrap the heating or cooling appliance to prevent skin irritation. 

For a natural remedy, you can use clove oil, peppermint tea, or crushed garlic. Clove oil is a natural antiseptic that will numb pain and reduce inflammation. Try putting it on a cotton ball and applying it directly to the aching tooth. Peppermint tea is naturally soothing, and the warmth of the tea will serve as a rinse and relaxant. Garlic is naturally antimicrobial and will also reduce pain levels.

See Your Local Dentist for Treatment

Now that you have some methods to ease your toothache symptoms while you wait to see your local dentist, you may be wondering what you can expect once you visit the dentist. There are a few treatments available, depending on the level of attention that is needed to correct the issue. 

Your dentist will provide a deep cleaning to prevent any periodontal damage, as well as prescribing an antibiotic if there is a fever or swelling of the jaw accompanying a toothache.

If your toothache is caused by a cavity, there are a few options available. Your dentist will likely fill the cavity, or if necessary, remove the tooth. A root canal is another possibility, if the cause of your toothache is an infection deep inside the tooth. During a root canal, your dentist will remove the infected pulp from the tooth and seal it. 

(07/05/2024)
by Humbert Road Dentistry

More Information: https://www.humbertroaddentistry.com/blog?p=what-to-do-when-you-have-a-toothache

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