A toothache is considered to be any pain or discomfort associated with your dental structures. Toothaches often take patients by surprise and can be very uncomfortable to endure. As your trusted general dentist in Medford, NJ, we wanted to provide you with some tips on how to handle a toothache. Here are our best tips:
Call Your Dentist
If you are experiencing a toothache, the first thing to do is to call your dentist. Toothaches can be caused by a variety of reasons including:
- Gum Disease
- Oral Abscess
- Impacted Teeth
- Wisdom Teeth Growing In
- Tooth Infection
- Oral Trauma
Even after your toothache subsides, it’s important to call your dentist and get professional advice. Often, they will want you to come into the office so that they can examine your teeth. Underlying causes for your toothache will need to be treated to avoid future discomfort. The best thing you can do for your toothache is to consult with your dentist and follow their recommendations accordingly. Dr. Parnaik from Dental Creations has advanced training in all aspects of dentistry and can address complex concerns including toothaches. If you are currently experiencing a toothache, we encourage you to contact us at your earliest convenience.
Cold Compress
Holding a cold compress to your cheek or jawbone will help reduce any swelling or inflammation caused by your toothache. We rarely ever recommend choosing a warm compress if you have a toothache. This is because if your toothache is caused by an infection, the heat will actually draw the infection out further and cause more swelling. Wrap a towel around a bag of ice and hold it to your cheek. Drinking cool water can also help reduce swelling and inflammation while keeping you hydrated.
Saltwater Rinses
Sometimes toothaches are caused by trauma to your soft tissues. This trauma can be accidental from chewing something the wrong way, biting your gums, or from a recent dental procedure you’ve had done. It is very important to keep an affected area clean to avoid further irritation. Rinsing your mouth with a homemade saltwater solution will help keep the soft tissues in your mouth clean even while they are bothering you. Additionally, the solution will help encourage fast healing for minor cuts or incision sites from a prior procedure. For the best results, mix ½ a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Then, swish this solution around your mouth and spit it out. Make sure you don’t swallow any of the solution in the process.
Ibuprofen
Over the counter pain medications are a great way to manage the discomfort that comes with a toothache. Take the recommended dosage and remember to eat something beforehand to avoid any stomach upset. We recommend avoiding foods that are too crunchy or chewy while experiencing a toothache. Instead, opt for foods like soup, applesauce, or pudding for the time being. This will help reduce irritation as well. Make sure that you do not hold the pain medication over the affected area as this will only cause more discomfort.