A fact of life is that no matter how much you brush and floss, you may at some point in your lifetime deal with a condition known as a toothache. Toothaches can happen to anyone, and they can be anywhere from mild to severe. By working with a Sherwood, OR area dentist, you can get a definitive diagnosis of the issue and find an effective treatment.
What should I do if a tooth hurts?
Because there are several reasons for toothaches, it is best to get a diagnosis from the dentist. In the meantime, until you can get into the office, you can:
- Take pain relief medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin to alleviate discomfort
- Sit up but don’t lay down as this can cause blood to transfer to the area and increase pain
- Use a cold compress to alleviate discomfort throughout the day
- Rinse the mouth with salt water throughout the day
What causes toothaches?
There are many different reasons why a patient might experience a toothache. Some of the most common include:
- Cavities
- Periodontal disease
- Infection
- Abscess
- Impacted tooth
- Trauma/injury
- Chipped/cracked tooth
What can be done to relieve a toothache?
First, the patient will need a definitive diagnosis of their condition. Once the cause of the toothache is revealed, patients can then work with the dentist to determine the next step for treatment. In some cases, patients might need root canal therapy to treat an infected or abscessed tooth, or a filling if they are dealing with a large cavity. An evaluation and care by a dentist is often the best course of action when dealing with toothaches, especially those that may be significant and severe.
Call the team at New Smiles Dental if you have a toothache
Any change in your dental health or any pain and discomfort needs to be evaluated by a dental professional in Sherwood, OR. If you live in the community and are in need of a new dentist, we invite you to call New Smiles Dental for an examination. Call (503) 925-9595 to request a visit at 17680 SW Handley, Suite #101.
