What to Do When You Have a Toothache

Ouch! You’re obviously in pain or you wouldn’t be here reading this, trying to work out what to do when you have a toothache. Here at Hawthorn East Dental, we provide expert advice for our clientele so that the right dental solution is offered, and the pain removed!

What Causes a Toothache

It may be difficult to diagnose a toothache without proper input from a dentist such as Hawthorn East Dental. A toothache can be caused by inflammation or infection. Since the pulp is the nerve centre of the tooth, your tooth ache is a result of a reaction from your tooth pulp.

The symptoms of a toothache can vary with anything from pain in the jaw, tingling in the tooth, sensitivity, a dull ache, swelling, bad breathe, bad taste in the mouth, pus or fever.

If you are only getting a tooth ache at night then it may be that you are grinding your teeth in your sleep.

If the tooth ache is also linked to other body aches and pains then we suggest you see a doctor first to rule out any other complications. If it is then recognised as a tooth issue, you can see a dentist at that point.

Sometimes you may experience tooth pain from sensitivity to hot or cold food or drink.

Here are some direct causes of getting a tooth ache.

• Tooth Decay
• Tooth Chip / crack
• Infected Gum
• Filling Damage or loose crown
• Tooth Abscess
• Bruxism
• Inflammation of the gum (such as wisdom tooth eruption)
• Movement of teeth or an eruption of a tooth

Remedy for Toothache

If you find the pain does not subside after a day or if the pain is intense and doesn’t subside, then the best thing to do is book in with an experienced dentist such as Hawthorn East Dental. The area where the tooth pain is causing problems will be thoroughly investigated.

Hawthorn East Dental may take an x-ray in addition to physically examining your teeth to detect if tooth decay is the problem, where the issue is or if there are other dental problems.

To temporarily ease the pain, you can take over-the-counter medication or apply a topical solution such as clove oil.

Proper Dental Care

In order to minimise the possibility of getting a tooth ache, we advise you speak with your local dentist such as Hawthorn East Dental to put in place an oral health maintenance plan. Regular visits to your dentist will provide for a history of your dental care, oral health and can address any dental issues before you are stuck with a sore tooth.