Ouch! What Tooth Pain Means and When to See the Dentist
A toothache is no picnic! The pain can be excruciating, feel sore, or have a raw, dull aching. The pain may be more sensitive to cold or heat. Even a minor toothache can be so distracting that it makes it difficult to work and carry out routine activities.
A toothache is always a symptom of an underlying problem, which could just be that you’re stressed and clenching your jaw at night. Another possibility is that the pain signals a more serious health issue, such as an infection in your jaw or advanced decay that may require a tooth extraction.
A toothache rarely gets better on its own. That’s why getting to your family dentist as soon as possible to get your toothache checked out is essential to your oral health. You never know what’s lurking underneath your gum line.
Getting to the Root of the Matter
When tooth pain first appears, your first tendency may be to research your symptoms online. However, this approach isn’t sufficient for a diagnosis. In most cases, you end up scaring yourself with the most extreme possibilities that end up on your Google search results.
To understand the real cause of your toothache, it’s best to consult your Cincinnati dentist. They’ll ask about your symptoms, such as what the pain is like, where and when it hurts, and how long you’ve noticed the problem.
Your provider will also take digital X-rays, which help detect abscesses, cavities, potential root canal problems, and other dental issues. Based on a thorough exam, your dentist will indicate the source of the pain and develop a treatment plan.
Common Causes of Toothaches
The most common sources of toothaches are
- Tooth decay
- Inflammation
- Abscess
- Cracked or impacted tooth
- Gum disease
Sometimes, the culprit is a simple sinus infection. Because there are many possible causes of your toothache, it’s not wise to wait for it to go away or try to alleviate your discomfort on your own. Going without treatment will only make it worse.
If it’s manageable pain and there are no severe symptoms, such as discharge or swelling, call your family dentist for an appointment. However, if your tooth is broken, you experience bleeding or discharge, or your face is swelling, contact a Cincinnati dental office for emergency care immediately. Family dental providers in the area, like Beckham Square Family Dental, offer urgent care in addition to preventive treatments and other services.
Immediate Relief from Your Toothache
If you have to wait a day or two for your appointment, your dentist may recommend taking acetaminophen, such as extra-strength Tylenol. Before your emergency dentist appointment, avoid ibuprofen because it’s a blood thinner, and it can increase your tendency to bleed.
Drinking peppermint tea may help if your tooth isn’t too sensitive to temperature. You might also try clove oil or holding pressed raw garlic against the sensitive area. Peppermint, garlic, and clove all have natural antibacterial and pain-fighting properties, not to mention they’re all easy to find in your kitchen or at the grocery store.
While you might think it’s just a toothache and I can power through, think again. Yes, it’s possible that you have a sinus infection or simply need a mouthguard to prevent grinding your teeth. However, the pain could be a sign of something worse, such as a broken tooth exposing a nerve or an infection that requires a root canal. You don’t want to let it go and hope for the best. Instead, it’s better to know exactly what’s going on and have your family dentist take care of it for you.
Trusted Dental Care in Cincinnati for Toothache
Having a provider close by for comprehensive family dentistry is crucial for several reasons. At the very least, you’ll have someone already familiar with your dental history when you experience a toothache or other dental emergency. When you trust Beckham Square Family Dental for your family’s oral health, you get compassionate care from dental professionals who treat you like part of their family. Even if you don’t have a toothache, contact us today to schedule your next wellness checkup.