A family dentist spends a fair share of their time treating patients who are dealing with toothaches. If your teeth are making you feel miserable, this article is for you.
A family dentist explains how to deal with toothaches
Toothaches can range from barely noticeable to excruciating pain. It can be caused by something as simple as something getting stuck between teeth. Such minor toothaches can be easily treated by using floss or a dental pick to remove whatever is causing the pain. More severe toothaches are usually caused by something more serious like cavities, an infection or damage caused by trauma. Such toothaches rarely stop until the problem is treated. The pain associated with such toothaches is often enough to force people who have not seen a family dentist in years to make the trip.Dealing with toothaches
Not all issues that lead to toothaches count as dental emergencies. That means the patient might have to manage the pain for several days before their appointment. Fortunately, there are many simple things that can be done at home that can significantly reduce the pain being caused by a toothache. These include:- Take pain medication: There are many over-the-counter pain relievers that can be used to manage toothaches. Dentists recommended products that also reduce inflammation like aspirin and ibuprofen.
- Numb the affected area: There are also a variety of over-the-counter products that are made specifically for toothaches. Products like whole cloves or clove oil can also be used to alleviate the pain. Simply grind up some cloves, add a bit of oil and apply it to the affected area.
- Use a cold compress: A cold compress can be used to manage toothache. Patients can make one by putting some ice cubes into a plastic bag and wrapping it up with a thin towel. The compress can then be applied directly to the face. This method is not as effective as medication or a numbing gel, but it does reduce the pain.
- Use a salt water rinse: Rinsing the mouth with salt water reduces the pain and swelling associated with toothaches. It also kills off oral bacteria that can lead to an infection. For most people, the pain caused by an infected tooth is the worst toothache they have ever experienced in their lives.
- Avoid sweet things: Sugar has a very acidic nature, and it can aggravate an already damaged tooth, intensifying toothaches. Anyone who is dealing with a toothache should keep their consumption of sugary products to a minimum. Sugary drinks should be substituted with water which cleans out the mouth.
- See a dentist ASAP: Toothaches are not fun, but they are a necessary part of life. It is the brain’s way of signaling there is something wrong with a tooth. Most toothaches do not go away until the dental problem causing them has been addressed.
Get lasting relief
Do not settle for temporary fixes for your toothache. Schedule an appointment with our Swampscott office, and we will provide long-lasting relief. Request an appointment here: https://whitingdentalarts.com or call Whiting Dental Arts at (781) 595-0596 for an appointment in our Swampscott office.Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.