Toothaches are incredibly common. From in-home solutions to visiting your dentist, finding relief is important for your pain management and your overall oral health. If you are experiencing a toothache, consider the following ways you can treat your pain and why it may warrant a trip to the dentist.

What Causes Toothaches?

Toothaches can be caused by a number of ailments, from trauma to your face to neglected oral hygiene. In many cases, toothaches are the result of accelerated decay on your teeth. When you eat, food becomes trapped between your teeth and coats the surfaces. If this isn’t properly removed every night through brushing and flossing, these substances turn to plaque, which eats away at the tooth’s enamel. This deterioration can cause the inner, sensitive layer of the tooth to be exposed, resulting in pain.

Can You Treat Toothaches at Home?

When you have a toothache, it’s important to schedule a visit with your dentist to have it evaluated and treated. However, if you need to manage pain before your appointment, there are a number of at-home methods you can utilize. First, you can take an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce pain and inflammation. You can also use an ice pack on the afflicted area to help numb and soothe.

How Can the Dentist Help You?

The dentist will examine the affected tooth and recommend the proper course of treatment. If there’s a small cavity, the best solution is typically a filling, which is a short procedure with minimal discomfort. If your decay is more extensive, you may need a root canal, crown, or tooth extraction. Your dentist will talk about the best options for addressing the cause of your toothache.

Whether you need a simple cleaning or treatment for a toothache, families in New Britain, CT, trust their oral health needs to Gladstein Dental Center. For more than 28 years, the dentists have provided everything from fillings to more complex solutions like TMJ treatment. To learn more about how they can help care for your family’s smile, visit them online or call (860) 223-1162.