If you have ever had a toothache, you know that the experience can be less than pleasant. You can implement many pain-relieving strategies to help you handle a toothache; however, the pain is likely caused by an oral health issue, making it essential to visit our office for superior treatment. At Leavitt Dentistry, we strive to provide the services you need to improve the health of your teeth and prevent toothaches from occurring. Here are a few methods to help you handle a toothache and restore a higher level of comfort.
Preventing Toothaches
Prevention is often the best approach when it comes to the care of your teeth. When you take the right steps to protect your teeth, you can usually avoid toothaches from arising in the first place. This requires taking the time to care appropriately for your teeth. You need to visit our office on a regular basis for the right dental cleaning services. These services can help to thoroughly remove plaque, bacteria, and harmful food particles from your teeth. This will also ensure we find issues early on before they can lead to excessive problems.
It is similarly important to ensure that you regularly brush and floss your teeth to enhance the condition of your smile. If you are unsure about the right oral hygiene routine for your teeth, you can ask us for guidance at your next appointment.
Common Causes of Toothaches
Understanding the causes behind your toothache will ensure that you obtain the right dental services to restore the health of your teeth. Cavities are often the cause of your toothache. When you have a cavity, the enamel layer of your teeth has likely worn away slightly. This wear exposes the dentin layer, which can cause pain.
However, cavities aren’t the only cause of toothaches. They can also occur due to abscessed teeth, gum disease, trauma, or food particles lodged in the teeth or the gums. This is one of the major reasons why it’s critical to visit our office when you are experiencing oral pain.
Actions to Avoid
Until you can resolve your oral health issue, you will need to ensure that you take the appropriate steps to avoid actions that can cause your pain. For example, when you chew your food on the side of your mouth that’s experiencing discomfort, you may find that the pressure causes a spike in the pain. Try to chew all of your food on the opposite side of your mouth.
You should also refrain from consuming beverages or foods that are extremely hot or cold. These variations in temperature can cause sensitivity. You need to be gentle whenever you are caring for aching teeth. While proper care is important in preventing the issue from escalating, being careful can prevent you from causing additional pain.
Treating a Toothache
See a Dentist
In most situations, toothaches are caused by an underlying oral health problem. When you first notice oral pain, call our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Our team can provide you with strategies that will help you handle your toothache and alleviate your discomfort.
Pay attention to other symptoms that may arise along with your toothache. Call us immediately if you notice a fever, swelling, or discharge. You will also need to schedule an appointment if your toothache has lasted longer than a few days. If you are having trouble breathing or swallowing along with your toothache, it’s crucial to visit our office immediately for the best treatment possible.
Cold Compress
The use of a cold compress is a tried and true method for alleviating pain. While it has many uses, it is also a great strategy to aid with a toothache. Take a frozen bag of peas, a pack of ice, or a cold compress and place it against the side of your face. Wrap it in a cloth to provide a buffer and protect your skin.
Peppermint
Peppermint is often something that is kept around the house. One of the major benefits of peppermint is that it provides mild numbing properties that can help alleviate pain. When you are experiencing a toothache, you may want to implement peppermint to help reduce your pain. You may use peppermint leaves, peppermint extract, or even peppermint tea bags.
Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater rinse is another commonly used solution for reducing your pain and minimizing issues. This method is frequently recommended to relieve the pain from canker stores, but it can also be used to help reduce toothache discomfort. The combination of salt, water, and heat can help to flush away harmful bacteria from the area. It may even help to reduce swelling of the area, which can further eliminate your discomfort.
Conclusion
When you are experiencing a toothache, make sure you schedule a visit to Leavitt Dentistry. This will allow us to examine your teeth and identify the issue that is causing your pain. With the right treatment, you can restore the condition of your teeth and ensure that you remain free of toothaches and oral health problems. Contact us at Leavitt Dentistry today!
