When you’re eating your favorite food and suddenly you feel a sharp pain radiating through your mouth and jaw—panic ensues. And so do toothaches—a common dental problem. A toothache causes a range of symptoms that vary in intensity but can be anything from mild discomfort to severe throbbing pain.
So, what exactly are toothache causes and how do you treat it? Here are some suggestions that may help ease your pain until you can see a dentist for treatment:
What Are Toothache Causes?
Tooth pain is usually caused by an infection or inflammation in the teeth and gums. This can be due to issues such as cavities, gum disease, abscessed teeth, jaw tension, a broken tooth, or trauma. Knowing the cause of your toothache can help you decide the best way to treat it because of its large range of causes.
If You Have a Toothache, Here’s What You Can Do:
Now that you know what causes a toothache, it’s time to take action. Here are some steps you can take to help alleviate the pain until you can see a dentist:
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack to your cheek near the painful area. This helps numb and reduce swelling.
- Wash your mouth out with warm salt water. Make sure not to swallow the water as it can make you feel sick.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce the pain.
- Rinse your mouth with a mild antiseptic solution. This can help kill off any harmful bacteria in your mouth that may be causing the infection.
Beware—What To Avoid When Suffering From a Toothache
When you have a toothache, trying anything that may offer relief can be tempting. However, there are some things you should avoid when trying to treat your toothache symptoms:
- Avoid using aspirin or any other kind of topical numbing agent directly on the affected area. This could cause further damage and lead to an infection in the mouth.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything too hot, as this can make the pain worse.
- Don’t place any extra pressure on your teeth, such as brushing or flossing. This can make the pain worse and cause further damage to the affected area.
- Don’t wait too long to see a dentist for treatment. Prompt attention from your dentist is the best way to find relief, prevent further damage and address any underlying causes of your toothache.
Nurturing Good Oral Hygiene Habits with Stehl Family Dental
It’s important to remember that these steps can help manage your toothache symptoms but it is only temporary. The best way to treat a toothache is to prevent future toothache causes by practicing good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing and flossing twice daily, using mouthwash, and visiting the dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning.
If you are experiencing a toothache, don’t wait to seek help. At Stehl Family Dental, we can provide comprehensive dental care to diagnose and treat your condition. Our experienced dentists use the latest techniques and technology to help you find relief from your toothache symptoms as quickly as possible.
Schedule an appointment today to get started on the path to better oral health. We look forward to helping you find relief and restoring your smile!
