Relieving a Toothache

It’s enough to have had one once or seen someone suffer from a toothache to remember it for the rest of your life!

Decay, gingivitis, and tooth abscesses are the three main culprits that cause us mouth pain. Toothaches can be excruciating and not only disrupt our day-to-day, but may keep us awake at night.

Don’t wait for the trouble to start before consulting your dentist! Here’s a good rule of thumb: if you notice a change in your oral health, make an appointment. Changes can include bad breath, tooth sensitivity to hot/cold or pressure, a sense of movement, and red/swollen or bleeding gums.

The only way to effectively relieve the pain associated with dental issues is to consult a dentist who can intervene with the most appropriate treatment.

They will do a radiography to accurately diagnose the cause of the pain, and then treat the tooth decay. Once that decay is eliminated, the tooth will no longer hurt.

To treat gingivitis, brush your gums at least three times a day using a toothbrush with soft bristles. If the gingivitis is caused by tartar build-up, you will have to consult your dentist to get the plaque removed, which can be a more or less significant procedure depending on the condition of your teeth and the severity of the disease.

An abscess is a purulent bacterial infection of the gums. It often develops in the root of the tooth, producing puss and inflammation. A dental abscess can be very painful, causing swelling of the gums and even fever.

Prevention is key to avoiding these kinds of issues: flossing, excellent oral hygiene, besides consulting your dentist at least twice a year to screen for tooth decay and catch problems at an early stage.

In any case where pain is present, please consult a dentist as soon as possible. That way, you’ll avoid further inconveniences down the line. At the BBC Dental Clinic, we also offer an emergency service. Call us and we’ll make sure you get seen within 24 hours!