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Tooth Pain Primer: What to Do

Tooth Pain Primer: What to DoTooth pain can be caused by a number of factors. It may be induced by infection, decay, or dental injury. Many times the pain originates from an exposed nerve in the tooth. You may be surprised to discover that not all pain in the mouth is caused by a problem with the teeth. It is possible for an outside area to create pain in the mouth, making of the sufferer feel as though s/he has a toothache.

Symptoms of a Tooth Ache

Just like any other type of pain, the experience of a toothache is unique to every person. Common symptoms of a toothache are:

  •  Tooth pain when pressure is applied
  •  Sensitivity to temperature (hot/cold)
  •  Bleeding around a specific tooth
  •  Swelling of the gum around a specific tooth or in the jaw

It’s important to determine whether or not the symptoms are actually caused by a dental issue. There are times when pain in the ear or throat can be confused with tooth pain.

Home Remedies for Tooth Pain

There are many home remedies for tooth pain. However, most of them are only temporary fixes to reduce discomfort until you can be seen by a dentist. Over the counter pain medications like ibuprofen can help reduce swelling and pain in the area of the affected tooth. Ice packs can also help relieve pain and swelling. Apply ice for 15 minutes at a time, and remove the ice for at least 15 minutes before reapplying. A drop of clove oil applied directly to the exposed nerve can help reduce the pain. Clove oil is an astringent and “confuses” the nerve so that it stops sending pain impulses to the brain.

When to See a Dentist

Any type of pain in your mouth that is not relieved by over the counter pain medication, necessitates an emergency appointment with a dentist. If you have swelling in your mouth or face, a dentist can evaluate and determine the exact cause of your pain. You should also see a dentist any time you have bleeding or unusual discharge around a tooth, especially if the discharge has a foul odor or taste. The health of your mouth can affect a lot of your organ systems, including your heart.

When looking for a regular dentist, take time to visit the practice and make sure their approach to dental treatment corresponds with your personal health philosophies, so you feel comfortable receiving treatment.

Regular checkups and consistent home care are necessary to prevent other serious health problems. Poor dental hygiene or chronic infection in your mouth can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other conditions that affect quality of life.

 

If you have a dental emergency, or you wish to prevent a dental emergency, Simcoe Smile Dental is here in Oshawa, ready to help. Call us at 289.312.1482 today.

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