What to Do for a Toothache?

Author: PV Smiles Reem Kidess | Posted on with comments

Sometimes, there is nothing more painful than a toothache. Many people grew up with a “Band-Aid and Advil” philosophy towards pain: suck it up and it’ll go away. This may work for scrapes and bruises when you were a kid, but it is not a good idea for toothaches.

Toothaches may be sharp, throbbing or constant. Possible causes of tooth aches include: cavities, an abscessed tooth, a damaged filling, a cracked tooth, gum disease, or the entry of wisdom teeth.

When Should I See a Dentist?

If you are having a toothache that lasts more than a day or two, nine times out of ten it’s an alert of a more serious problem and you should contact your dentist. It’s important to see a dentist if:

• Your toothache lasts more than a day or two
• Your toothache is severe.
• You have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide.

Temporary Toothache Pain Relief

There are some temporary treatments for a tooth ache that can help with the pain until you go see your dentist.

Pain Relievers: Try to take an over-the-counter pain relief medicine like ibuprofen and acetaminophen combination. Sometimes it’s enough and it’s an easy way to manage minor pain.

Elevation: Try to keep your head above your heart. Sleeping with your head elevated lessens the blood pressure to your head and mouth. This may mean sleeping in a reclining chair rather than your bed.

Warmth or Coldness is good for pain treatment for most every part of the body, and teeth are no different. Applying an ice pack over the painful site can help reduce inflammation. Moist heat can also provide some relief if the pain is more muscular in nature.

To learn more about what to do about your toothache, contact Dr. Kidess today to schedule an appointment.