Toothaches used to be something people just accepted. We lived with pain until it got so bad we had to take action. Unfortunately, there are a few folks who still feel that way today. We might be hesitant to go to the dentist, embarrassed about oral hygiene, or have other concerns. Sometimes we wait too long to get a toothache checked out. But how do we know when it’s time to see the dentist and when to ride it out?
A toothache can stem from something as simple as a piece of food stuck in your teeth or as complex as a major dental problem or infection. But the leading cause of toothaches is (you guessed it) cavities. If you don’t catch decay early, it can move from your enamel to the soft tissue below. One of the warning signs of tooth decay is pain or sensitivity when you eat or drink something hot or cold. Throbbing pain in your tooth can be a sign of infection in your tooth pulp. Here are some other possible causes:
A piece of food or another minor irritant will usually go away after a good floss and mouth rinse. If your discomfort lasts for more than a day or two, make an appointment with your dentist. Here are some steps you can take to keep pain at bay in the meantime:
Numbing benzocaine products used to be a go-to for tooth pain–even for babies. But new information is now leading dentists to recommend these products with caution. Research has linked benzocaine to a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which affects oxygen levels in the blood. The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting your dentist before using an OTC benzocaine product. These treatments are no longer recommended for children under 2.
If your pain lasts for a short time and then goes away completely, it’s probably just a temporary irritation. But you should call your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
If you have a toothache that doesn’t go away, don’t wait to see your dentist. We want you to feel better. Catching a problem early usually makes it easier to fix. As always, prevention is the best approach. Keeping up with those routine check-ups is the best way to avoid cavities (and a toothache). But tooth pain can happen to even the most diligent patients. Don’t let embarrassment or fear of what you’ll find out keep you out of the chair. At Greenhill Family Dental Care, we’re ready to help, whether it’s a routine cleaning, a small cavity or a challenging oral health problem. Sometimes that toothache means it’s time to take the first step.
