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What Should I Do if My Tooth Hurts?
Posted on 10/15/2024 by The Implant Center at Comprehensive Dental
A toothache can be a real pain – literally! It can disrupt your sleep, make it difficult to eat, and even affect your mood. But before you panic, take a deep breath and know that there are things you can do to feel better.
In this article, we'll explore the common causes of tooth pain and what you can do to manage it until you can get to the dentist.
What Causes Tooth Pain?
There are many reasons why a tooth might hurt. Some of the most common causes include:
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Cavities: Cavities are small holes in your teeth caused by tooth decay. They can be caused by poor oral hygiene, sugary foods and drinks, and not getting enough fluoride.
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Gum disease: This occurs when bacteria builds up on your teeth and gums, causing inflammation and irritation.
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Cracked or chipped teeth: This can happen due to an injury or biting down on something hard.
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Abscess: This is a collection of pus that forms at the root of a tooth due to an infection.
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Wisdom teeth: These are the four teeth located at the back of your mouth that usually come in during your late teens or early twenties. Sometimes they can become impacted, which can cause pain.
What Can I Do to Manage the Pain?
If you have a toothache, there are a few things you can do to manage the pain until you can see a dentist:
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Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Ibuprofen, Advil, or Tylenol can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
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Apply a cold compress: Wrap a thin towel around an ice pack or bag of frozen peas and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
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Rinse with warm salt water: Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. This can help to reduce inflammation and remove food debris.
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Avoid irritating foods and drinks: Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks, sugary foods, and hard foods that could further irritate the tooth.
When to See a Dentist
It's important to see a dentist as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms:
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Severe pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter medication
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Swelling in your face or gums
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Fever
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Difficulty swallowing
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Bleeding from your mouth
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A loose tooth
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Pus coming from the tooth
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Bad breath that doesn't go away
These could be signs of a more serious dental problem that requires immediate attention.
Prevention is Key
The best way to prevent a toothache is to practice good oral care habits. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
By following these tips, you can keep your teeth healthy and avoid the pain of a toothache.
About Us | Dental Implants Lincoln Park NJ Dr. Rana and the members of our team are dedicated to serving our community with advanced treatments and comprehensive education. The Implant Center at Comprehensive Dental, 166 Main St, 2nd Floor, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035, (973) 633-5666, ranadental.com, 12/7/2024, Page Keywords: dentist Lincoln Park NJ,
A toothache can be a real pain – literally! It can disrupt your sleep, make it difficult to eat, and even affect your mood. But before you panic, take a deep breath and know that there are things you can do to feel better.