What TO Do If I Have A Broken Tooth?
Experiencing any sort of tooth pain or molar ache for long periods of time can cause you distress and discomfort. Whether the ache is chronic or sharp stings of pain from time to time, finding any sort of relief is the first thing on your mind. It is important to look into why you are feeling pain initially, and then some courses of treatment:
Probable Causes Of Your Tooth Pain
There are lots of factors that can cause a toothache. While most people assume a cavity is the most obvious cause of their newly felt ache, you will be surprised to find that everyday things you are doing may in fact be inducing pain. Symptoms of a cavity vary from person to person, but a common side effect is a sensitivity to food, especially when you apply pressure on the area in discomfort. Sugar in particular heightens the sensitivity of the affected area, such as when you drink a sugary drink or eat candy.
Another common side effect of a cavity is bad breath. While the first instinct is to brush your teeth, you may feel discomfort while applying pressure to the affected tooth. Before you book an appointment with your Sunlake dentist, be sure to take a look inside your mouth to check for obvious pitted teeth or discoloration. Locating the area of sensitivity beforehand making an appointment can make the job easier for you and your Sunlake dentist.
While cavities are common causes of tooth pain, these are a few separate causes as well:
- Deteriorating dental nerve
- Complications pertaining to molars and wisdom teeth; e.g. Impacted wisdom molars
- Infections
- Constant grinding of the teeth
- Fractured of broken tooth
A more common cause of toothache occurs when filler dental work is damaged or is dislodged from the place of application. This happens most often with fillers coming out from molars due to eating a sticky piece of candy, or being rough while chewing a hard-surfaced food item. Since the filler is no longer protecting your tooth, the feeling of discomfort or pain can arise. If you observe that your dental work has become damaged, contact your Sunlake dentist right away to book an appointment.
Getting Rid Of Your Toothache
While your first instinct is to call your Sunlake dentist and book an appointment to solve your toothache, there are alternatives you may find useful in the meantime:
Anti-inflammatories:
In most cases of a toothache, the region in discomfort is due to swelling of the tissue. The swelled tissue then presses against sensitive tooth nerves resulting in pain. Using an anti-inflammatory may not permanently solve the damage done to your tooth, but can temporarily relieve it of some discomfort. It is important to read the labels on any anti-inflammatories you ingest to avoid overdosage.
Saltwater:
Your best shot at reliving any tooth pain is to keep a clean mouth. Using salt water, or a saline solution will help dislodge any debris stuck in-between your teeth. Saltwater is especially great for keeping open wounds clean, in particular oral wounds. The pain will also briefly subdue while you swish the saltwater in your mouth.
Icepack:
Soothing tooth pain can be done by using a cold compress to your cheek near the radiating pain. By wrapping an ice pack in a cloth and applying it to your jaw in increments of 10-20 minutes, the swelling will not only reduce but can ease some of the discomforts.
Teabags:
A commonly used tactic to help relieve pain is using teabags. The natural herbs found in them can not only alleviate uncomfortable sensations such as nausea and light-headedness but also treat pain. By boiling some water and allowing a teabag to steep, then applying the teabag to the affected area of the mouth can numb the surrounding tissue. If you prefer a cold compress, allow the teabag to sit in the freezer for a few minutes, then re-apply.
Book an appointment with your Sunlake dentist:
Despite the home remedies you provide for your toothache, a visit to the dentist is more than necessary to find the cause of the tooth discomfort. Your Sunlake dentist will evaluate the affected areas and provide some suggestions and recommendations.
Any minor pain or discomfort can be alleviated with home-remedies, but if the pain worsens or increases at an alarming rate, these are some further signs your should look for:
- Drainage of blood or pus at the area of discomfort
- Swelling of the cheek or jaw
- Increase in temperature (fever)
Book an appointment at Sunlake Dentistry as soon as possible if you have any of the previous symptoms. Receive the toothache relief you desire.
SunLake Dental Care Newmarket
Working Hours
- Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Clinic Location:
16945 Leslie St, Unit 15.
Newmarket, ON L3Y 9A2
Monday - Friday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm