Don’t put off seeking medical attention when you experience pain in your teeth or mouth. Contact your dentist as soon as possible. Other reasons to do so include:
- If a tooth has a cavity.
- If you’re experiencing a dental infection.
- Or, if you just have a toothache, a dentist can often treat it quickly and easily.
According to an article written by the American Dental Association (ADA), you should visit the dentist immediately if you have a toothache. There are often time slots available for emergency patients, so you may be able to get a same-day appointment.
However, not all dental problems require a visit to your dentist. Read more to learn which symptoms indicate that it’s time for a dental visit and which should just be continually observed.
Toothaches as Warning Signs
Sensitivity or an aching feeling in your mouth can signify tooth decay. Infrequent brushing, poor oral hygiene, and eating too many sweet foods can cause plaque to coat the teeth, erode the enamel, and allow cavities to form. Once a cavity has developed, the tooth may become infected, and you will need to have a root canal.
The Danger of Decay and Infection
Suppose you ever experience tooth sensitivity, toothaches, pain while chewing, or swelling. In that case, these can all be signs of cavities or infected teeth that require attention from a dentist as soon as possible.
In addition, tooth decay may weaken your teeth and increase your risk of injuries when you contact another person. A tooth that is infected may die due to the spread of infection to surrounding teeth or the jawbone. If the inner pulp dies, the tooth itself may need to be removed to prevent the disease from spreading.
Try These Home Remedies When You Can’t Visit the Dentist
These temporary solutions are when there is no dentist available in your area or when a toothache bugs you in the middle of the night. However, never retain these as long-term solutions. Go to your local dentist the following morning.
- Clove Oil: Put a drop or two of clove oil on a cotton ball for a homemade toothache remedy. Rub over the sore area of the tooth and gums. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic, giving this remedy the ability to help reduce the pain associated with a toothache.
- Cold Compress: By holding a cold compress against the outside of your cheek, you can numb a toothache. If you have swelling in addition to pain, a cold compress can numb the area and reduce swelling and inflammation. Contact your dentist in the morning for more specific guidance.
- Salt Water: One of the simplest, most effective home remedies for discomfort from a swollen tooth is rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution. Add a few teaspoons of salt to a glass of warm water and swish the mixture around in your mouth for 15 seconds before spitting the liquid out.
Warm water will help ease the pain, and the salt will help relieve any swelling in your gum tissue.
- Pain Relievers: When the above remedies don’t work, over-the-counter pain medications can help reduce discomfort before seeing your dentist the next day for an emergency appointment. Always follow package directions when taking over-the-counter pain medications to prevent the pain from worsening.
Final Thoughts
If you’re suffering from a toothache when the sun’s out, don’t delay with homemade remedies any longer. Pop right in for a dentist appointment to remedy your condition. While the difference between waiting and scheduling a dental session is dependent on the time of day, it could mean the difference between ridding yourself of the discomfort or keeping it at bay until an expert takes a good look at it.
Banish those toothaches by setting a schedule with Chelmsford Dental Specialists Group. Managed by Michael Sargent, a dentist in Chelmsford, we are dedicated and committed to helping patients improve and maintain their oral health by offering services such as crowns, dental implants, teeth whitening, and white fillings. Request an appointment now!
