A toothache can ruin your day and prevent you from doing what you need to do. If it’s not an emergency or a dentist can’t see you right away, you’ll need to employ some pain management techniques to keep you comfortable until your appointment. Here’s a closer look at what could cause your toothache and what could help it—or make it worse.

What Could Be Causing It

Damage to your tooth will cause a toothache. This can include cracks, chips, or breaks. Cavities and decay will also cause pain, and they can progress into serious infections of the roots called abscesses if they aren’t treated promptly. Gum disease could be the culprit as well—when the gums recede, sensitive parts of your teeth can be exposed. If you’re experiencing pain when you encounter extreme temperatures, it’s called sensitivity, and it’s caused by damage to your enamel. Grinding your teeth, known as bruxism, may also cause pain in your teeth, jaw, and head due to the pressure and shifting of your teeth. If you’ve had dental prosthetics, such as a crown or implant, damage to these can be painful.

What Can Help

Over-the-counter medications to manage pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen, can be used as directed to mitigate tooth pain, along with ice packs held against the jaw or cheeks. Numbing agents containing benzocaine may be applied to the gums or teeth, but you should check with your dentist first to learn about serious risks associated with it. If your pain is due to sensitivity, try using a toothpaste and mouthwash designed to combat it. Rinsing your mouth with warm water mixed with a small amount of salt will also alleviate pain and swelling until you get restorative dentistry treatment.

What to Avoid

Be careful when rubbing pain-relieving medications directly on your gums, as you risk chemically burning the tissue and making the injury worse. If your pain is from sensitivity, avoid consuming hot and cold items. If your tooth is damaged or has a cavity, avoid chewing on that side as well as staying away from hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Don’t try to soothe the pain with heat, as this will increase inflammation and actually make your pain worse. If you think you have a cavity, avoid sweets and sugary substances, as these can cause the pain to increase due to a rise in oral bacteria.

If you have a toothache, visit the office of Daniel M. Hamrick, DDS in China Grove, NC. This experienced dentist has been practicing since 1981, offering general and restorative dentistry services. Whether your pain is caused by gum disease, decay, or non-emergency trauma, their office is equipped with cutting-edge equipment and a skilled team that will provide prompt, effective treatment and relief. Learn more about their services online and call (704) 857-7497 for an appointment in Rowan County.