Our bodies respond to problems in several ways. We may have an upset stomach when eating a meal that doesn’t sit well or a bruise after bumping into something. However, enduring a toothache is a different kind of pain. Toothaches can be debilitating and are distracting when trying to move through your day. If a toothache worsens, it could be a sign of serious damage. To make sure that you take care of your health, it’s important to prevent toothaches with good oral hygiene. 

What Causes a Toothache?

Toothaches are primarily caused by decay of the affected area. It may be that the tooth itself is decaying or you may have gum disease, inflammation of the pulp, or a dental abscess. Injury to a tooth or impacted teeth also commonly lead to toothaches. All of these things can cause a toothache, which is why it’s important to see your dentist if you’re feeling any pain. The reason for your toothache could be due to a number of things, so finding the cause will help you solve the problem. 

The Best Way to Soothe a Toothache

If you’re experiencing a toothache, you’ll likely want to alleviate the pain as soon as possible. The best way to react to a toothache is to schedule an emergency dental appointment. Since toothaches are usually signs of a more serious problem, being seen by a dentist will help address the underlying cause so that they don’t continue to occur. If your dentist is not open or you can’t get in right away, there are a few options to sooth your toothache. Some of the best ways to manage pain from a toothache include: 

  • Using over the counter, anti-inflammatory medication 
  • Applying a topical pain reliever or numbing cream
  • Placing a cold compress over the area
  • Doing a saltwater gargle to help with inflammation—rinse and spit, don’t swallow

How to Prevent a Toothache

The best way to prevent a toothache is to be proactive and practice good oral hygiene habits. While toothaches aren’t completely preventable, you can reduce your risk of suffering through them. The absolute best way to do this is to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste for a full two minutes each time. You should also add flossing to your daily routine. 

Another great way to help prevent toothaches is to cut down on excess sugar. This means reducing the amount of sugary food and drinks that you consume regularly. If you are going to indulge, make it a habit to drink water afterwards to help wash down lingering sugar and reduce the buildup of oral bacteria.

For the ultimate proactive care, never skip dentist appointments. Seeing your dentist regularly—twice a year—will remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone. Your dental exam also allows you to catch any problems before they get bad enough to produce uncomfortable symptoms like toothaches and more. Remember, pain is the way that your body communicates something is wrong. Don’t ignore your toothache pain—schedule a visit with Artistic Dental today. 

Artistic Dental is committed to providing the best services for our patients. If you have a toothache, schedule an appointment today. If you’re not currently suffering from a toothache, be proactive and schedule your bi-yearly cleanings by calling us at 602-840-5400.