Few things cause as much discomfort as a toothache. Luckily, through understanding the possible causes, you’ll be able to take some preventive measures to protect your teeth. If you do find yourself experiencing a toothache, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, here’s some information about the causes of tooth pain and what you can do to relieve it.
Tooth pain: common causes
Decay It’s important not to neglect your oral care regime, as brushing, flossing and regular visits to your dentist are the best ways to prevent decay. When it occurs, decay can have a variety of adverse consequences, most of which include the development of a toothache.
Abscess An abscessed tooth is the result of an infection in the tooth or gums. This leads to inflammation of the soft tissue of the root canal, which can be incredibly painful. Since the infection is often caused by an untreated cavity, it’s important that you visit your dentist for regular examinations, so that issues such as these can be addressed early on.
Cracked fillings If you have silver amalgam fillings, it’s important to understand how extreme temperatures can affect them. Heat, such as from a warm beverage, causes silver fillings to expand. Cold temperatures, like that of winter air, causes them to shrink. Repeated shrinking and expanding can cause the filling to crack, ultimately leading to a toothache. This can be avoided by choosing composite resin fillings instead, as they don’t react to temperature the same way. If you already have silver amalgam fillings, avoid exposing them to sudden temperature changes.
Relief options
Saltwater rinse If you’re experiencing a toothache, try alleviating the pain with a saltwater rinse. Add half a teaspoon of table salt to a cup of warm water, swish it around your mouth and spit it out.
Cold compress If your toothache is accompanied by swelling, hold something cold over the affected area. It should help reduce the swelling and numb the pain temporarily.
Over-the-counter pain relievers Pain relievers like ibuprofen, Aspirin or acetaminophen are one of the most effective ways to combat a toothache until your dental appointment. For children, it’s recommended you give them acetaminophen.
Visit a Dentist in Calgary While there are several home remedies out there to help relieve the pain, they’re temporary. In the case of a toothache the best course of action is always to visit your dentist. Forest Lawn Dental Centre offers affordable treatment for the whole family. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Calgary!