What To Do When Your Tooth Hurts

Tooth pain can range from minor discomfort that only occurs when you eat hot or cold foods to a throbbing pain that can be excruciating. The type you experience varies based on the dental condition you may have and how severe the condition is. If you have a toothache, you may have many questions. You may wonder why your tooth hurts, whether a toothache is a dental emergency, and what, if anything, you can do to help ease the pain on your own at home.

Here is everything you need to know if you have a toothache.

Reasons Why Your Tooth May Hurt

There are many reasons why your tooth may hurt. In some cases, you may simply have tooth sensitivity. If you experience minor discomfort when eating hot or cold foods, chances are, you have sensitivity. Another common reason your tooth may hurt is because of decay, or a cavity. The level of pain you experience may vary based on where the cavity is located and how deep or wide the cavity is. A cracked tooth or an impacted tooth can also cause pain, especially when chewing or eating. Lastly, an abscess will cause pain. Abscesses are serious problems that can cause severe problems. An abscess is an infection and it needs to be treated immediately.

When a Toothache is a Dental Emergency

In most cases, a toothache is not a dental emergency. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. They should be able to get you in within a few days to have a look. However, it is not typically something that requires you to be seen immediately. However, if you have a dental abscess, it is important to see an emergency dentist immediately. In most cases, they will prescribe antibiotics to help cure the infection, while also working to figure out why the infection is present and how to fix or remove the problem. Signs of a dental abscess include a blister or bump on the gums, a nasty taste in your mouth, excessive bad breath, pain, swelling in the cheek or jaw and the skin surrounding the area feeling hot to the touch.

Home Remedies for a Toothache

It may take a few days for a dentist to see you if you are experiencing dental discomfort. Unfortunately, tooth pain can be bothersome, making it hard to eat, concentrate and sleep. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain at home until your emergency dentist is able to see and treat you.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, one of the things you can do is to take over-the-counter pain relievers. Medications such as Tylenol or Advil can help to ease some of the pain you are feeling. This may help to stop the throbbing, allowing you to eat or get some rest.

You can also try is a salt water rinse. Dissolve salt into warm water. Swish the warm mixture around in your mouth. The warm water helps to soothe swollen gums and the salt helps to kill germs and bacteria. This should be done up to seven times a day when you are experiencing dental discomfort. If you do not have salt on hand, you can use hydrogen peroxide instead. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide in an equal part water to create a rinse that can be used up to three times per day when you are experiencing dental pain.

Lastly, if you are experiencing pain, you may be tempted to place a warm compress on your face to help ease the pain. However, you should not use heat. Heat allows bacteria and germs to thrive. Instead, cold is ideal for tooth pain. Use an ice pack or a cold compress on your face to help reduce pain caused by a toothache.

Conclusion

Are you experiencing tooth pain? If so, you may need emergency dentists in Phoenix. Here at Dental Brothers, we can help you with all of your dental needs. No one should have to be in pain, and waiting to take care of a dental emergency can lead to more extensive problems. If you’re in pain, contact us today to schedule your appointment.