Why is Your Tooth Aching?

Are you experiencing uncomfortable oral pain that’s keeping you up at night and distracting you from work and school? Even though it may seem like a small problem, it’s always important to contact your emergency dentist right away, because it could unfold into something more severe. While you’re waiting to visit your dentist, read on for some common reasons a toothache may occur, and how you can ease your pain at home until you receive professional treatment.

Problems That Can Cause Toothaches

There are countless problems that can result in a toothache. Some are as simple as a lodged popcorn kernel between your teeth, and others are as serious as a tooth infection. Here’s a closer look at some potential causes of your pain:

• Tooth Decay: If it has been longer than you’d like to admit since you last visited your dentist, your oral pain could be the result of an untreated cavity that has exposed the more sensitive inner-chamber of your teeth over time.
• Sensitive Teeth: Sensitive teeth can be caused by more than just dental decay. If you experience oral pain when you consume extremely hot or cold foods and beverages, it could be caused by worn fillings or even receding gums as a result of gum disease.
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Countless Americans grind and clench their teeth every night and don’t even know it. If you notice that your teeth hurt and you can’t pinpoint why, ask yourself, do you wake up with a sore jaw or a throbbing headache? These are common signs that you have bruxism.
• Tooth Infection: When cavities go untreated, they can develop into tooth infections. This is when the fragile pulp, located in the inner chamber of your tooth, has become attacked by bacteria. The pulp contains thousands of nerves, which is why you may be experiencing a severe and throbbing toothache.

Tips to Ease Tooth Pain

If you’re unsure of whether your pain is caused by a lodged piece of food or an oral health problem, you can find out by gently flossing around the affected area and rinsing your mouth with lukewarm saltwater. This will help dislodge any debris. If your pain persists, immediately contact your emergency dentist so you can find out what the problem is and get it treated. While you’re making your way to their office, here are a few tips to help relieve your discomfort:

• Place a cold compress on the area to constrict the blood vessels and make the pain less severe.
• Place a peppermint tea bag in the freezer for a couple of minutes and apply it to your tooth.
• Dab a small amount of vanilla extract onto a cotton ball and place it on the affected area a few times each day.
• Add a drop of clove oil to a glass of water and rinse your mouth with it.

When you get to your emergency dentist’s office, they’ll be able to quickly and effectively relieve your pain by treating the oral health problem. The longer you wait to contact them, the more you’re putting your mouth at risk.

About the Author

Dr. Prachi Shah has been providing her patients with high-quality and dental healthcare since 2007. She focuses on equipping everyone that walks through her doors with the knowledge and treatments they need to prevent additional oral health problems from occurring down the road. She understands that accidents happen and can be incredibly stressful to deal with, which is why she provides fast emergency dental care and a 24/7 phone service to guide them through the situation. For questions or to schedule an emergency appointment, visit South Arlington Dental Care’s website or call 817-860-2222.