What to do when you have a toothache

We know toothaches are a pain, literally and figuratively.  Whatever the cause, toothaches can cause severe pain and affect how you eat and drink. Even mild toothaches can affect your mood and make you irritable and cranky. 

The dentists at The Practice treat patients with toothaches daily, but we’re constantly surprised about the number of people who just put up with toothaches and leave it too long before visiting their dentist. Remember, toothache could be a sign of a more serious problem, so seeing a dentist as soon as possible is essential

What is a toothache? 

A toothache is often accompanied by swelling and occurs when there is an issue with your teeth or your gums. It causes pain and discomfort and can be mild to extremely severe. Usually patients with toothaches experience a constant throbbing, which can also affect your head, ear or jaw. 

When you have a toothache, you may have swelling inside your mouth, jaw or face, have pain when chewing, be sensitive to heat and cold, or bleed from your tooth or gums. 

What causes toothache? 

 A variety of issues can cause toothache. Some common causes of toothaches include:

• Gum disease.
• Cavities/tooth decay.
• Cracked or broken teeth.
• Abscesses.
• Impacted wisdom teeth. 
• Teeth grinding/bruxism.

The most common cause of toothache is tooth decay. This happens when bacteria erodes your tooth enamel and causes pain and sensitivity. 

What to do if you have a toothache

With so many causes of toothache, we always recommend visiting the dentist as soon as possible. It’s not always easy to pinpoint the cause of a toothache, so a professional needs to carry out a detailed examination so you’re able to treat the underlying problem. If you don’t seek treatment, the issue may become a more serious problem. 

Emergency dental treatment for toothaches

At The Practice, we offer emergency dental appointments at our West End dental practice, allowing you to book a visit with one of our experienced dentists as soon as possible. 

Toothache treatment

If you have a toothache, the best treatment is to treat the underlying cause. However, some over-the-counter pain medication can help manage the pain until you get to see your dentist. Natural remedies for toothache include rinsing your mouth out with salt water or applying a cold compress to the affected area. Ice can help reduce any swelling too. 

For more serious toothaches it’s important to visit your dentist immediately, especially if you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort, swelling or bleeding, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or have high fever or chills. 

Root canal treatment, fillings and extractions can remove the source of the pain if this is what’s causing your toothache. 

Can you prevent toothaches? 

You can prevent toothaches by maintaining good oral health and hygiene. It’s essential to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up. It also helps to avoid sugary food and drink that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. 

10 tips for great looking teeth

Toothaches can be excruciating, but they don’t have to be an ongoing source of discomfort. Proper dental hygiene and care, such as brushing, flossing and avoiding sugary food and drink can help prevent toothaches and other underlying conditions. 

If you need an emergency dental appointment in South Brisbane for a toothache, don’t suffer in silence. Book a visit to our West End dental practice by calling 07 3733 3223 or book an appointment online today.