A toothache can be caused by a number of different things, and therefore, there are different things that can be done to help relieve the pain. The toothache can be caused by tooth decay, a fractured tooth, a filling that has come out or is damaged, an abscessed tooth, infected gums, or irritation caused by grinding your teeth. The pain associated with these conditions can vary from sharp pain to throbbing pain and can be accompanied by a fever or headache, as well as a bad taste in your mouth.
Often it will be necessary to visit us at Northside Family Dental to have the problem corrected, but there are a few things you can do that can help in the meantime, depending on the cause for the toothache. One way to temporarily numb the area is to use oil of cloves. This should be placed directly on the tooth, not the gum. If you have swelling, you may find that a cold compress or even an ice cube can help. If it aggravates the pain, stop immediately and call us.
Sometimes a toothache is caused by food debris that has gotten stuck in the gum or in a tooth that has lost its filling. Removing the food debris by flossing and rinsing may help. If the lost filling area is sensitive to air, it can be temporarily filled with a piece of gauze. You can also take whatever over-the-counter medication you usually take for pain.
Even if you are able to reduce the severity of your toothache, it is a good idea to follow up with us to rule out a problem that could be non-symptomatic, yet could affect your overall health. You should also make an appointment if you have a toothache that lasts more than a couple days, the pain is intense, you have a fever or earache with it, or you have pain when opening your mouth wide.
Got a toothache in Lakeland FL? Visit us at Northside Family Dental. Our friendly and caring staff are dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Give us a call today.