It’s toothache time.

More than likely, you’ve had a toothache at least once in your life. Perhaps it was from eating a little too much ice on a sweltering summer day(don’t do that!), maybe it was from grinding your teeth overnight, or maybe it was due to a pesky cavity burrowing into a molar. No matter the cause, toothaches can be a pain—literally.

It’s important not to ignore tooth pain, as it can be a sign of a bigger issue. There are also times when you just need a little relief to get you through until you can get to the dentist.

The Importance of Addressing Tooth Pain

Toothaches are often a sign that something else is going on beneath the surface. If the problem is left untreated, it can get worse. This creates a headache filled with more pain and costly procedures. So, if that tooth pain is persistent, it’s best to give us here at Texas Dentistry and Braces a call so we can solve the problem before it has a chance to get worse.

Common Causes of a Toothache

Those toothaches can happen for many different reasons. Sometimes stress takes hold and you grind your teeth at night. Other times it could be caused from biting on a particularly hard almond or some leftover food stuck between your teeth.

But those persistent toothaches might have some other causes.

First, you might be dealing with tooth decay, or cavities. Unfortunately, tooth pain caused by decay will not get better on its own. If this is left untreated, the decay will progress until it causes an infection or the bacteria eat away at the enamel until the tooth loosens and falls out, so it’s best to take care of it early!

Another reason for toothaches would be gum disease. This is a fairly common condition that involves the swelling and irritation of the gums. You might notice blood when brushing your teeth or feel tenderness and pain in your gums. This condition can also create deeper issues if left untreated.

Dental abscesses are a sign of infection and cause toothaches. An abscess is a buildup of puss under the gums. Typically, this needs to be drained for relief, so if you notice any swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, be sure to give us a call!

Accidents happen! So, of course, tooth fractures or injuries are another common culprit for toothaches. These come in varying degrees of severity and discomfort, but your dentist has the tools, technology, and knowledge to treat the underlying cause and give you relief.

Home Remedies for a Toothache

If you’re suffering from a pesky toothache, you don’t have to be in misery. There are options to get some relief while you wait for your dental appointment.

First, over-the-counter pain relievers like tylenol or ibuprofen can work wonders for a toothache. Follow the instructions on the bottle, and let yourself breathe easy for a while!

Saltwater rinses can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and treat infections. Though this isn’t a replacement for a visit to the dentist, it can help relieve the discomfort while you wait.

When it comes to home remedies for aches and pains, cold compresses really can’t be beat. Whether you use an ice pack or a frozen bag of peas wrapped in a tea towel, simply hold it to the affected area for up to 15 minutes. This helps prevent or decrease inflammation and can have a wonderful numbing effect.

Did you know that clove oil can help diminish pain? Clove oil contains eugenol, which is a naturally occurring anesthetic with antibacterial properties. Just put a few drops of the oil on a cotton ball, then put it on the affected tooth.

When you have a toothache, avoid those hard and chewy foods. They can aggravate the affected tooth, making the discomfort worse.

When to See a Dentist

Though home remedies can be highly effective at diminishing toothaches and pains, they’re temporary solutions. More often than not, toothaches don’t go away on their own.

If the pain is persistent or severe, be sure to give your dentist a call before the problem has a chance to get worse. If you notice any swelling around the tooth or experience any headaches or fever along with the pain, be sure to mention that to the dentist as well.

A Part of Life

Toothaches are a part of life. Sometimes it can be because you slept wrong, or maybe you ground your teeth. Other times, a toothache can be a sign that something is wrong. Home remedies can help you survive day-to-day life while you’re dealing with toothaches, but they are always temporary solutions. If you have persistent toothaches, be sure to give us a call here at Texas Dentistry and Braces. It’s easy to request an appointment online. We want to do what we can to help keep your smile healthy and pain-free!