It’s Friday night, and you’ve already got your Saturday planned, and you couldn’t be more excited. Breakfast at the local bakery with your closest friends, Lynch Park for a relaxing day outside, and finally, a concert at the Larcom Theatre. By the time you wake up the next morning, the fun you planned to have is replaced with immense pain and misery due to a horrible toothache. What do you do? An emergency dentist in Beverly explains the causes behind a toothache and what you should do to address the situation.
What Can Cause a Toothache?
When you think of oral pain, you may automatically think of a root canal, tooth extraction, or a more common cause: a toothache. There are a wide variety of reasons your tooth or teeth could be hurting, all of which are not as obvious as food stuck between your teeth. Let’s look at a few of the main causes:
- Gum disease
- Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching)
- Tooth injury (caused by trauma)
- Abnormal bite
- Infection (tooth decay)
How Should I Handle it Until I See My Dentist?
This irritating and inconvenient feeling can derail your day and even make you want to plead for someone to pull your tooth out to relieve the pain. Before you take such drastic measures (which we highly advise you do not do), your emergency dentist in Beverly offers some tips on how to handle the problem until you can get in to see a professional.
- Rinse your mouth with water, and gently floss between your teeth to dislodge any food that might be stuck and causing the pain.
- Place a cold compress against your face to reduce any swelling.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce discomfort. Remember, never place aspirin on the gum area, as it can damage them.
- Call your dentist to determine if you need an appointment or if you can get in right away.
How Can I Prevent a Toothache?
Toothaches can happen when you least expect it. Even if you maintain the best oral habits, you’ll more than likely experience pain in a tooth or teeth at some point. If you want to do everything you can to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible, here are a few things you can do to prevent a toothache from occurring:
- Practice good oral hygiene. Make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste to combat tooth decay, which is one of the leading causes of toothaches.
- Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Visit your dentist twice a year (every six months) to have a thorough examination and professional cleaning.
- Limit the amount of sugar you eat, as it is the fuel that harmful bacteria needs to produce plaque.
- Ask your dentist about dental sealants and fluoride treatments.
Don’t let a toothache get you down! If one occurs, follow the instructions provided by your dentist and seek treatment as soon as possible. But, if you want to spend your day at the park instead of in the dentist office, make sure you maintain good dental habits for a happy and pain-free mouth!
About the Author
Dr. Lauren Gadeberg earned her undergraduate degree (a dual major in biology and political science) from Syracuse University before being accepted at The College of Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University. Looking to be closer to her family, she transferred to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, graduating with her dental degree in 2014. She spent four years as a service member of the Navy Dental Corps, which provided her with exceptional, clinical skills. She and her colleagues at Beverly Farms Dental will always put your needs first, and should a dental emergency arise, you can expect prompt care while keeping your comfort and health top of mind. For questions about our services, visit our website or call (978) 927-3515.