What to Do with Tooth Pain

Tooth pain can be a distressing time. It can cause discomfort and disrupt your daily routine. Understanding how to manage tooth pain is crucial to get rid of your discomfort and seek the right care. There are steps you can take to help deal with your pain. Also, you can figure out what is causing your pain to resolve the issue. 

Finding the Cause

To address tooth pain, it’s vital to find the underlying cause. Common culprits include tooth decay or a dental abscess. You can feel pain with gum disease as well. Other common pain comes from tooth fractures or sensitivity. To help reduce your symptoms, it is necessary to know how severe your pain is. This can also aid your choice to seek medical attention. 

Self-Care Strategies

A simple home remedy for temporary tooth pain relief is rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can help reduce inflammation and cleanse the affected area.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide temporary relief from tooth pain. Follow the dosage instructions and consult with your dentist if you have any underlying health conditions.

If your tooth pain is due to sensitivity, avoiding foods and drinks that trigger discomfort. This can include hot or cold items, acidic beverages, or sugary treats. Opt for softer foods and lukewarm beverages until you can seek dental advice.

When to Seek Dental Care

Your pain level can help you decide when to see your dentist.

Persistent or Severe Pain

If your tooth pain lasts for more than a day or becomes severe, it’s vital to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Constant or worsening tooth pain may indicate a dental issue that requires professional attention.

Swelling or Signs of Infection

If you notice swelling around the affected tooth or experience signs of infection, such as fever or a foul taste in your mouth, it’s crucial to seek dental care. These symptoms may indicate an abscess or other serious dental infection that requires immediate attention.

Emergency Dental Services

In cases of severe tooth pain or dental trauma, seek emergency dental care. Dental emergencies include severe pain that affects daily functioning, uncontrollable bleeding, knocked-out teeth, or major oral injuries. Contact your dentist or visit the nearest emergency dental clinic for prompt treatment.

Professional Dental Treatment Options

Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam to diagnose the cause of your tooth pain. Depending on the issue, treatment options may include:

Fillings or Dental Bonding: For tooth decay or small fractures, your dentist may also suggest fillings or dental bonding to repair the affected tooth structure.

Root Canal Therapy: If the tooth pain is due to an infected or abscessed tooth, root canal therapy may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and alleviate pain.

Extractions: In cases where the tooth is severely damaged or cannot be saved, extraction may be required. Your dentist will discuss the best options, such as dental implants or bridges, if needed.