The first, most obvious answer to this question is to see the dentist. But that doesn’t help much if you are not able to get to the dentist right away. There can be many reasons for toothaches and each individual has varying tolerance for pain. Here are a few ways to help relieve toothaches.
Clean your Mouth
While you are waiting for your appointment with the dentists in Markham, you can try swishing warm water around in your mouth. Some suggest using salt water to rinse out the mouth, but you can use just warm water too. Swishing warm water around in your mouth can help dislodge any food particles or debris that might be stuck. In some cases, simply removing these small particles can relieve a toothache.
Control the Pain and Swelling
There are a few ways to help control the pain and any associated swelling until you can see a Markham dentistry professional. A cold compress placed on the outside of the cheek can help reduce swelling. You can also take an over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen to help relieve pain. Children under 18 should not take aspirin and an aspirin should not be placed on an aching tooth. Aspirin can burn any gum tissue it comes into contact with.
When to Call a Markham Dentist
If you have a tooth that is causing you pain, it is advisable to get it seen by a dentist. Even if the pain was short lived and went away, it’s important to have your teeth assessed by a dental professional. They can detect any problems that need attention and possibly prohibit future, more serious problems with your teeth.
What will a Dentist Do?
When you go to the dentist for a toothache, they will do a thorough examination. Dentists can tell a lot by just observing the teeth, but they will also take x-rays which may give them more insight as to what is going on with the tooth causing you pain. Their examination will usually lead to a diagnosis so they can then recommend a treatment plan.
Treatment plans will depend largely on what is causing the tooth pain. If there are any signs of an infection, the dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics before pursuing other treatment options. In some cases,they may need to treat other conditions such as TMJ (Temporomandibular joint disorder). They may recommend wearing a mouth guard to help prevent you from grinding your teeth. They may also suggest some strategies for stress reduction. In some instances, treatment may be as simple as getting a filling to treat a cavity that is causing you pain.
Do I need to go to the ER for a toothache?
In rare occasions, you may need to go to the ER. If your pain lasts for more than a day or two, you have a fever or show excessive swelling you may have a dental emergency. If you are having trouble breathing or swallowing, it’s important to go to the Emergency Room.
