What should we do first if we have a toothache?

11.09.2023

Even a mild toothache can distract you and make you lose concentration. In the worst case, the toothache can be so severe that you cannot function normally. Pain is your body's signal that something is wrong and may indicate a serious underlying cause.

What causes toothache?
A toothache can have many potential causes. A fairly common cause is dental caries. The diagram below shows the different stages of tooth decay/decay. Initially, the process may affect only the outer layer of the tooth, called enamel. As it progresses, it will begin to move into the dentin (below the enamel) and eventually the pulp. The pulp is the inner part of your tooth made up of connective tissue, and when decay reaches this level, dental intervention is often required.

Various causes of tooth decay
A toothache can also be caused by other causes, such as an abscess. This happens when the pulp becomes infected and the pus forms a pocket around the root. An abscess will not heal on its own, and leaving it untreated can have serious consequences. A toothache can also be caused by gum disease, infected gums, damaged fillings, rough teeth grinding (bruxism), or a fractured tooth.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Toothache
We are often tempted to ignore toothaches in the hope that they will go away on their own. Many people try to ignore the pain because they don't want to visit the dentist. However, neglecting toothache can lead to much more serious problems. The risk of gum infection or purulent infection is particularly serious. These infections can spread from your tooth to your jawbone and then to other parts of your body.
If you have a high fever, fast heart rate and/or difficulty swallowing, you should seek emergency care as this may indicate a serious infection that requires immediate medical attention.

What to do before going to the dentist
Before you make an appointment with the dentist, you may need temporary pain relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, may be helpful to take once. Keep in mind that you cannot depend on painkillers for a long time and it is necessary to eliminate the problem. It is good to use a cold compress on the jaw at home. Salt water baths are also one of the best home remedies. Use half a teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water and gargle for at least 30 seconds.

How can we help you?
When you make an appointment with us immediately, we will do our best to start treatment as soon as possible. If necessary, we can take digital X-rays. After we determine the cause of your toothache, we will develop a treatment plan. which may include brushing, gum treatment, antibiotic treatment, or other options depending on the specific situation.


Finally, it's important to follow up with good oral hygiene to avoid new or worsening dental problems. This includes brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
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