When your tooth is in pain, it’s hard to focus on anything else, like eating, smiling, or just going about your daily life. That’s why, in that situation, it’s best to visit your emergency dentist in Lake Highlands as soon as possible to out a stop to your raging toothache. In the meantime, there are a few at-home remedies you can try that have been approved by the majority of dentists.
Why Do You Even Have a Toothache?
The most common reason for a toothache is tooth decay, also known as cavities, which occur when bacteria eat away at your enamel, or the outermost portion of your tooth. Once they reach the sensitive layers underneath, it results in extreme pain. If your toothache has progressed from a dull ache to a sharp pain that interferes with your daily life, that’s a sign that they decay might have reached the nerve in the center of the tooth. In that case, root canal therapy might be required to alleviate your pain.
Another reason for toothaches might be fractures in the tooth. Teeth can become chipped or broken for all sorts of reasons, like playing sports without a mouthguard, falling, or even just chewing on something hard.
Finally, gum disease has been known to cause toothaches. Gum disease is a bacterial infection in the gums and surrounding structures that causes bad breath, swelling and red gums, gums that bleed, and sensitive teeth due to a receding gum line that exposes the tooth roots.
What Does Your Dentist Recommend for Pain Relief?
When you have a toothache, the first step should be to contact your emergency dentist. In the meantime, however, there are some home remedies you can try:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Most dentists suggest acetaminophen for children. For adults, take your pick of store-bought painkillers. Just remember that if you select aspirin, to not place it directly on the gums, as that could irritate the gum tissue. Be sure to swallow it instead.
- Saltwater rinse: Let half a teaspoon of table salt dissolve in an eight-ounce glass of water. Swish that solution around in your mouth and then spit it out.
- Cold compress: If your toothache is due to a tooth fracture, a cold compress might help. Apply it to the appropriate cheek for about 20 minutes at a time.
As mentioned above, your first order of business when your tooth hurts should be alerting your dentist. If that’s not possible, or if you have to wait a while for an appointment, then use the home remedies listed earlier to temporarily keep your pain at bay.
About the Author
After earning her dental degree from the University of Michigan, Dr. Mariya Barnett moved to Dallas to practice. She has been recently voted into D Magazine’s Best Dentists of Dallas 2019. She is also a member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Texas Dental Association. Her practice will see you as soon as possible if you call with a dental emergency such as a toothache. For more information, click here or call her practice at (214) 373-9903.
