A toothache can be very painful and uncomfortable. It occurs when there is pain in or around your tooth, which can sometimes make it hard to eat or even speak. Toothaches are common, but they don’t always mean something serious. Knowing what to do if you get one is important. Here we will discuss the causes of toothaches and how to handle them. If the pain persists, do not hesitate to find a dentist near you for professional care.
What Causes Toothache?
There are various reasons why you may have a toothache. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Tooth Decay: This occurs because the hard outer layer of your tooth (enamel) cracks, generally due to consuming candies or sweets or poor oral care. When decay reaches the inside of the tooth, it can cause pain.
- Gum Disease: If the teeth are not cleaned properly, gums can become swollen and sore. Infections can occur in the gum tissue, leading to an aching tooth.
- Tooth Infection or Abscess: Sometimes, infection develops inside the tooth, perhaps as a result of a deep cavity or crack. This infection can cause a lot of pain in the tooth.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Some people have sensitive teeth. That means that their teeth are sensitive to certain items: food and drinks that are either too hot or too cold or very sweet.
- Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth, especially while you sleep, it can cause pain in your teeth and jaw.
What to Do When You Have a Toothache?
If you have a toothache, here are a few things you can try to do to feel better:
- Rinse Your Mouth: Use warm salt water to rinse your mouth. Saltwater can help reduce swelling and clean the area around the tooth. Just mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds.
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: You can take over-the-counter medicine to help with the pain. Make sure to follow the directions on the label, and don’t take more than the recommended dose.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek, near the painful tooth, can help numb the area and reduce swelling. Wrap some ice in a cloth or use a cold pack, and hold it on your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Avoid Certain Foods: While you have a toothache, try to avoid eating foods that are very hot, cold, or sweet. These can make the pain worse. Instead, eat soft foods that are easy to chew.
- Use Clove Oil: Some people find that rubbing a small amount of clove oil on the sore tooth helps numb the pain. Clove oil has a natural ingredient called eugenol, which can act as a pain reliever.
- Keep Your Head Elevated: When you lie down, the blood flow to your head increases, which can make the pain worse. Try sleeping with your head propped up on pillows to help reduce the pain.
- Use Warm Tea Bags: A warm tea bag can help soothe the pain as well. Tea contains tannins, which may reduce swelling and discomfort. Just brew a tea bag, let it cool slightly, and place it against the sore area.
When Should You Visit a Dentist?
Even though home remedies can help, you should always see a dentist if your toothache lasts more than a day or two. A dentist can figure out the exact cause of the toothache and provide the right treatment. If the toothache is caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or an infection, the dentist may need to clean the area, fix the cavity, or prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Remember for emergency toothache relief, it’s important to get professional care quickly.
You should also visit the dentist if you notice any of these signs:
- The pain is severe or keeps getting worse.
- Your gums are swollen, red, or bleeding.
- You have a fever along with the toothache.
- You have trouble swallowing or breathing.
Don’t wait too long—getting checked early can prevent things from getting worse!
Address Your Toothache Issue at Albany Dental Today!
At Albany Dental, we focus on providing comfort and effective care for your dental needs. Whether you’re dealing with a toothache, need a routine check-up, or require more advanced treatments, our friendly team of dentist in Edmonton is here to help. We use modern techniques to ensure you feel at ease throughout your visit. Don’t wait to get relief from toothache. Contact us today and let us take care of your smile!