Most of us have experienced that constant, dull ache in our teeth at one time or another. Or maybe you’re someone who experiences sharp tooth pain, but only when you bite down–or maybe you feel a constant sensitivity in your teeth. No matter the cause or symptoms, toothaches are no fun. If you are currently dealing with a toothache, you should read on and reach out to our experienced dental team to learn more about toothaches, temporary home remedies, and how we can help if your problem is serious. Here are some of the questions you may have:
Does a toothache mean infection?
Though perhaps the most common cause of toothaches is dental cavities (caused by tooth decay) there are various other potential causes of toothaches. For example, in some cases, you may find you have a tooth abscess, a tooth fracture, or even a damaged filling. In other cases, your toothache may have little to do with your teeth and is instead the result of a gum infection. In fact, your toothache may even be caused by something like grinding your teeth at night, or the eruption of a new tooth (like a wisdom tooth).
How do you get a toothache to go away?
First, we feel we must say that if you are experiencing a serious toothache, the most important thing you can do is visit your local dentist. He or she can determine if you have any serious problems that may need immediate tending to. That being said, if you notice a dull, out-of-the-ordinary pain, you may not have to rush yourself to the dentist before trying a few things at home first. For example, let’s say the cause of your toothache is teeth grinding. You may greatly benefit by simply ordering an affordable yet effective night guard. Additionally, in some cases, taking an over the counter inflammatory may also help for a while, though this should never be recognized as a substitute for long-term treatment.
In other cases, you may find that applying a cold compress to the sensitive area for 20 minutes at a time helps–that being said, this is far from a permanent treatment, however, it may help dull some of the pain until you get to see a dentist. Lastly, you may want to try rinsing with salt water, as salt water is known for its cleansing properties, which may also help relieve some of the pain in your mouth–at least temporarily. Ultimately, as stated above, your best bet is always reaching out to your trusted dental team to ensure you are not letting any infections go untreated. We are here to help!
Contact the Dental Associates of Basking Ridge
Dental Associates of Basking Ridge is a compassionate, gentle, and professional state-of-the-art dental practice serving Basking Ridge, Morris & Somerset County. Our office is always ready to greet our patients with a smile, take the time to answer any questions, and provide the quality dental services our patients expect. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
