A general dentist can help you to get past any toothache. Toothaches tend to occur as the worst possible times and they are usually an indicator there is something wrong with that specific tooth.
Toothaches are often the result of a tooth being damaged by decay or trauma. It can also be a symptom of an infection.
Regardless of how minor a toothache is, it will not go away until the underlying cause has been addressed. That means a dentist needs to conduct an examination of any affected teeth so the cause can be determined. Once the dentist understands the cause of the toothache, they can then perform treatments that will bring the patient relief.
Here are some simple things patients can do to manage their toothache prior to seeing a dentist:
Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can provide some relief from toothaches. Patients should swallow these medications as recommended by their manufacturers and resist the urge to overconsume as this can lead to side effects. Patients can alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen every three hours or so to manage their pain. However, if the tooth pain exceeds past a few days then a visit to a general dentist is in order.
A person can also manage the pain caused by a toothache by rinsing out their mouth with a saltwater solution. This can help to loosen food particles and debris that might be stuck in the tooth, and it can reduce pain and inflammation.
Garlic contains compounds that inhibit the growth of oral bacteria. It can provide relief for those dealing with toothaches when mashed into a paste and applied directly to the affected tooth.
Peppermint and clove oil both contain compounds that work as natural anesthetics. They provide a numbing effect and serve as one of the most effective home remedies for toothaches. These oils are very strong so patients should avoid getting them on soft tissues since they can damage them. There are many toothache products sold in drug stores that contain at least one of these oils.
All the other things listed above simply provide temporary relief to anyone suffering from a toothache. The only way to permanently put a toothache behind you is by having its root cause treated by a dentist. For example, a toothache that is being caused by an infection will not go away until a dentist performs a root canal or an extraction. Any other forms of treatment are just temporary solutions.
A dentist has the training and skills needed to properly diagnose the patient and recommend an appropriate cause of action.
Dealing with a toothache that will not go away? Call or visit our Santa Ana clinic and take the first step towards putting the pain behind you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mysmilefamilydental.net or call My Smile Family Dental at (714) 408-4343 for an appointment in our Santa Ana office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Santa Ana, CA.
If a general dentist recommends fluoride treatments, patients may express concerns about the lasting effects of fluoride. They may also wonder whether eating and drinking are possible immediately afterward. Fortunately, fluoride is one of the easiest dental treatments to undergo with little to no waiting period and great benefits in the long term. Just a…
In recent years, more patients have been asking general dentist professionals about straighter teeth. Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in the last decades. Patients may think that traditional braces are the only option, but clear aligners and appliance therapy are also available now. When having this conversation, it is important that patients discuss…
If a general dentist recommends a dental crown, there are a variety of reasons why. Crowns can be used for cosmetic corrections as well as for protection and support. These dental restorations may seem intimidating to those who have never had one, but they do not have to be. Here are some questions to ask…
Tooth extraction frequently occurs in the office of a general dentist for a variety of reasons, including:Bacterial decayAccidental breakageOvercrowdingImpactionMost patients are more concerned about the gap the tooth leaves behind than its fate outside their mouths. An extracted tooth usually takes one of the following paths, depending on whether the dentist or the patient claims…
A family dentist is a professional who offers various general dentistry procedures to patients of all ages. Those who practice family dentistry can treat many serious dental concerns, including an abscessed tooth. In addition to being painful, an abscess can lead to further health concerns. Patients experiencing this issue should seek treatment right away.An abscess…
Invisalign® is a teeth-straightening treatment that entails wearing sets of custom-made transparent aligners over the teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces that use wires and brackets, the aligners are removable, which means wearers can take them off when they want to eat or brush their teeth. Learn about these clear aligners and how they are used to…