In this blog post, you’ll learn about how to handle a toothache, what might be causing it, and when you should see your dentist.
Possible Toothache Causes
Toothaches can happen for several reasons, depending on your symptoms, how long the pain lasts, and how bad it is. Some common causes are:
- Untreated cavities
- Cracked or infected teeth
- Gum disease
- Sinus infections
- Teeth grinding
- Broken fillings
- New cavities
- Receding gums
- Cysts
- Impacted teeth
- Whitening products
Keep track of your tooth pain, noting how severe it is on a scale of 1-10, possible triggers (like certain foods), and how long it lasts. Once you see a pattern, it will be easier to identify the cause and find the best treatment.
How Long Do Toothaches Last?
Toothaches from issues like abscesses or decay will last until the nerve dies and stops sending pain signals. If the root of your toothache lies with something such as toothpaste or sinus infections, the pain could subside within about seven days.
Pain that stops you from eating, drinking, or going to work or school means something serious is happening. Don’t wait and hope the pain will go away on its own. Infections from decay or abscesses get worse over time. If your tooth pain gets worse or lasts more than a few days, see your dentist as soon as possible.
How to Get Rid of a Toothache
If you have a toothache, you should:
- Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen if it’s safe for you. Swelling often causes tooth pain, so reducing it can help. Follow the directions on the medication.
- Rinsing with warm salt water will help ease gum swelling. Simply mix one teaspoon of salt into a glass of water, allow it to dissolve completely before rinsing with warm salt water for optimal results. Repeat until the glass is empty. You can do this 2-3 times a day.
- Brush and floss around the painful tooth to check if anything is stuck under your gums or between your teeth. You can tie a knot in your floss to help grab any stuck food.
- Check your oral care products. If you use a whitening gel or toothpaste, stop for a few days to see if the pain improves. Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth instead, but remember it may take up to two weeks to see results.
- Treat any allergies or sinus infections you have, as they can cause pressure on your upper teeth, mimicking a toothache.
- See a dentist. They will check your tooth and mouth, review your symptoms, and find the cause of your pain to suggest the best long-term solution.
What to Take for a Toothache
Most tooth pain comes from swelling or inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or Motrin are often recommended to reduce swelling and temporarily relieve pain.
However, home remedies only provide temporary relief. Professional treatment is needed for infections like tooth decay or gum disease to save your smile before the infection spreads to other teeth.
When to See the Dentist for Your Toothache
Call your dentist if you have severe pain:
- Can’t eat or drink
- Can’t go to work or school
- See visible damage to your tooth
- Have symptoms lasting more than a few days
When you visit Bytown Dental House, we’ll take a digital X-ray of the tooth to check for abscesses, decay, or bone loss. Identifying the specific cause allows us to recommend the best treatment to relieve your pain quickly.
If you’re in severe pain, your dentist will first numb the area to make you comfortable. After that, we can decide on the next steps, which may include a temporary solution followed by a permanent restoration.
Dental Treatment for Toothaches
The best treatment depends on the cause of your pain. You might need to change toothpaste and use a desensitizing treatment, or you might have a small cavity that needs filling. Severe gum disease might require deep cleanings or gum surgery, and physical damage to the tooth could need a filling, root canal, or crown.
Tooth Pain Help in Downtown Ottawa
Bytown Dental House offers emergency dental visits and toothache relief for all ages. Same-day appointments are available for severe dental pain. We’ll help you get out of pain quickly and create a care plan that fits your needs. Even if you don’t need to be seen right away, we can advise you on pain relief before your appointment.
Call Bytown Dental House today to request an appointment.