My Toothache Went Away – Do I Still Need to Visit a Dentist?

It’s a typical fall Sunday afternoon, and you have plans to cheer on your Dallas Cowboys. As you make the final preparations to enjoy the upcoming game, you’re suddenly struck with a sharp pain that seems to radiate throughout one side of your jaw. You have a toothache on your hands, and you need to schedule an emergency visit with a local dentist. If the pain subsides, though, does that mean you’re out of danger, or is the problem still there? As you continue reading, get the answers you’re looking for and also learn what the common causes of a toothache are.

The Typical Causes of a Toothache

There’s one thing for sure; toothaches are no fun. One way to lessen the chances of one occurring, though, is to know what some of the possible contributors are:

• Broken tooth
• Gum infection
• Damaged filling
• Abscessed tooth
• Advanced tooth decay
• Ongoing teeth grinding

The most common cause of a toothache is acute bacteria growth that has entered the sensitive area where the pulp and canals are housed. If there is any noticeable tooth pain, the first step to take is to contact an emergency dentist. Then, you can do what’s necessary to stabilize the situation until you can be examined and treated.

How to Respond to a Toothache

While the ultimate way to deal with a toothache is to visit a dentist, what can you do until your appointment to ease some of the symptoms? To make sure the pain isn’t being caused by food or an object lodged between your teeth, you can carefully floss around the pain site.

In addition, you can take the following steps to get some relief:

• Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-based mouthwash to remove bacteria and to numb the sensitive area.
• Take ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to decrease the pain.
• Apply ice to the outside of the jaw to reduce pain and any swelling.
• Keep your head elevated to prevent blood from rushing to your mouth, which could intensify the pain.

What if the Pain Goes Away?

On some occasions, the discomfort related to a toothache can subside. The most common reason is that the tooth has died, which means that it can’t be salvaged. Thus, temporary pain relief should never be confused as the problem being corrected.

When it comes to bacteria, they only move in one direction: straight ahead. Therefore, whether any initial tooth pain fades or not, you should make it a priority to visit an emergency dentist. In doing so, you can find out for sure what’s the cause of the toothache and receive the vital restorative care you need.

About the Author

A graduate of New York University College of Dentistry, Dr. Prachi D. Shah has been providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care for over a decade. She understands that dental emergencies can happen when they’re least expected, which is why she provides 24/7 phone service for patients to seek help with dental trauma. Dr. Shah can be reached for more information through her website.