TOOTHACHES CAN HAPPEN for a number of reasons. Itās important to know what to do about them, because they donāt always happen when the dentistās office is open. Do you have a plan for how to deal with an after-hours toothache?
Major Causes of Toothaches
Tooth decay is the main culprit behind a painful tooth, but there are others too, from gum disease to pulp inflammation to dental abscess to an actual injury to the tooth. Teeth that are impacted in the jaw can also be painful. In addition to all these, tooth sensitivity can be uncomfortable, and sometimes the problem traces back to simple congestion or a sinus infection.
Managing Dental Pain Until the Appointment
If at all possible, come to us right away with your dental pain, but as we mentioned before, toothaches donāt always respect office hours. Here are a few things you can do to keep the pain level manageable until you can see us:
- Apply a cold compress near the sore area
- Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pills or topical medication
- Reduce inflammation by rinsing and spitting with warm saltwaterĀ (do not swallow)
Ways to Prevent Future Toothaches
No one who has already had a toothache wants to have another one. They canāt always be prevented, as in cases where sinus infections or an injury were the cause, but aches and pains that result from poor dental health are ones patients can often prevent with the right habits.
The most important of those habits are brushing and flossing. Brush for twice a day for two full minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Also cut down on sugary foods and drinks that feed harmful oral bacteria, and make sure to schedule a professional dental cleaning and dental exam twice a year.
Why are these regular appointments so important? Itās very difficult to completely avoid tartar buildup without professional cleanings, and tooth decay doesnāt always have symptoms at first. If a dentist doesnāt catch it early on, it is unlikely to go away on its own and much more likely to get worse and become a painful (and expensive) problem.
Weāre Here for You and Your Teeth!
As much as we donāt enjoy feeling pain, itās the bodyās natural alarm system to signal when something is wrong, and we need to pay attention. If you have a toothache, no matter what you think the cause is, schedule an appointment so that we can get to the bottom of it and recommend next steps.