subject: Do You Know The Ways To Treat A Toothache? [print this page] Is there an ache in your mouth that is unbearable? If there is, this may be a toothache and if not properly treated could lead into something worse and more serious. A toothache usually refers to pain around the teeth or jaws. In many instances, toothaches are caused by tooth or jaw problems such as a cavity, cracked tooth, an exposed tooth root, gum disease and many more problems.
Sometimes, toothaches can be caused by a problem that does not originate in the tooth or the jaw. Pain around the teeth and the jaws can be symptoms of diseases of the heart, ears, and sinuses. With tooth decay often listed as the primary cause of a toothache, it is important to recognize a toothache right away and receive treatment in order to protect your body from any further problems.
Alleviate Your Pain At Home
If you have a toothache it is very important that you see a dentist at once for diagnosis and treatment because, if left untreated, your condition can worsen. However, if you are unable to schedule an emergency appointment, a self-care treatment can temporarily alleviate pain and inflammation from a toothache:
*Rinse with warm salt water.
*Gently floss teeth to dislodge any food particles trapped between teeth.
*Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth, as it may burn the gum tissue.
* If there has been some trauma to the tooth, a cold compress may be applied on the outside cheek to relieve pain or swelling. If your tooth has been knocked out, forced out of position, loosened or fractured, visit the dentist's office or a hospital emergency room immediately.
How do I Prevent Toothaches?
The most important aspect to preventing toothaches is by establishing a regular oral hygiene routine and sticking with it. Failure to brush and floss regularly after meals can significantly increase your risk of developing cavities because after you eat bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and starch producing acid that can eat a hole in your tooth's enamel. If the cavity is not filled, it can cause considerable pain and potentially destroy the dentin, pulp and the tooth's nerve.
Follow these simple tips to help prevent toothaches:
*Brush at least twice a day, preferably after every meal and snack
*Floss once a day to prevent gum disease
*Visit your dentist twice a year for oral examinations and a professional cleaning
When Should I Visit My Dentist in Hartford?
It is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible if your toothache:
*Lasts longer than one or two days
*Is severe
*Causes you to develop a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth
Proper identification and treatment of dental infections is important to prevent its spread to other parts of the face and skull-possibly even to the bloodstream. Be sure to maintain regular visits with your dentist in Hartford to further prevent toothaches, in addition to proper diagnosis and treatment.
