If you’re like most people, you know all too well what a toothache feels like. But how serious are they? An occasional toothache can be a minor nuisance that may respond well to a home remedy. On the other hand, there are several causes of toothaches, and some are more serious than others. Here’s everything you want to know about toothaches, including their causes, some home remedies, and when you should go see an emergency dentist in Longmont.
What is a toothache?
Fundamentally, a toothache is when the nerve root in or around your tooth has become irritated. That irritation can be caused in several different ways. The most common causes of irritation are a tooth infection, tooth decay, the after-effects of dental procedures, a damaged tooth, and a lost tooth.
That most common symptom of a toothache is the ache — pain due to the irritation of the nerve root. Pain is not the only symptom of the problem, though. Other common symptoms of toothaches or the underlying problem are sensitivity to both heat and cold, swelling in your gums, a bloody taste in your mouth, discharge from the affected teeth or gums, earaches and headaches, and even a swollen jaw or face.
When a toothache is an emergency
A minor, short-lived, and one-off toothache may not require emergency dental services in Longmont. However, some toothaches do justify getting in touch with an emergency dentist near you.
Unexplained, worsening, and persistent toothaches can mean that you are suffering from an abscessed tooth, infection, or serious gum disease. If you have a toothache that you can’t explain, is getting worse rather than better, and is just not going away, contact an emergency dentist near you as soon as possible — especially if that toothache is accompanied by fever, sensitivity, a swollen jaw or face, and any bumps in your gums. All of those symptoms are additional signs of potential gum disease, infection, or an abscessed tooth that warrant emergency attention.
Home remedies for toothaches
If your toothache is of the common and minor variety, there are several home remedies that some people find effective. Seek emergency dental services near you if any fever or swelling emerges, or your toothache lasts for more than a day or two.
Some toothaches are caused by a piece of food or debris — a piece of a popcorn kernel’s shell is a common example — caught between two teeth. Tie knots in a piece of floss and floss gently to see if any debris can be dislodged.
Peppermint tea has a natural and mild numbing effect that can reduce the pain of a minor toothache. Drinking a lukewarm cup of peppermint tea, or even just placing a wet peppermint tea bag onto the affected tooth may bring some relief.
Peel a clove of garlic, then crush it gently in a garlic press or between the side of a clean knife and cutting board. Then gently rub that crushed garlic clove against the affected tooth.
When laying down, elevate your head to prevent excessive blood from flowing to the source of your toothache. This may help reduce the pain and swelling symptoms of your toothache.
Gargling with lukewarm salt water up to five times daily will help minimize the inflammation associated with a toothache. The recipe is simple — use half a teaspoon of table salt in a cup of water — but make sure the water is just hot enough to dissolve the salt. Your aching tooth may be more sensitive to heat than usual.
Finally, the classic cold compress or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a clean cloth can reduce swelling and gently numb your jaw. Apply it for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
If your toothache pain is unexplainable, persists, or worsens, contact an emergency dentist in Longmont. If you begin to experience a fever or swelling along with your toothache, home remedies are not enough. You need emergency dental services. Contact an emergency dentist near you for pain relief and to eliminate the underlying cause of your toothache.
