What You Should Know About Toothaches
Many people take for granted that their teeth are and will continue to be healthy on a daily basis. However, your teeth (just like any other part of your body) can and, at some point, will have issues. If you start to have a toothache at any point, it is important for you to know some of the facts about them. Then, you can be sure that you treat your tooth pain accordingly and get the help you need to feel better as soon as possible.
Non-Dental Issues Can Cause Toothaches
One of the first things to keep in mind about toothaches and tooth pain is that the culprit for the pain is not always the tooth itself. Sinus and allergy issues, in particular, can cause tooth discomfort and pain.
The sinuses, when swollen, can put pressure on the nerves leading to the teeth. This nerve pressure can cause you to experience dental pain. If you are prone to sinus problems or notice yourself quite a bit congested when you have a toothache, try taking an over-the-counter sinus medication like Sudafed or Mucinex.
You can also contact your primary care doctor in case you have a full-blown sinus infection. Treating your sinus issues may then resolve your tooth pain if the two are related conditions.
You Should Try Over-the-Counter Remedies First If Possible
If your tooth pain is not too severe, the best way to go about dealing with a toothache is to try over-the-counter remedies. This can include over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Other home remedies can include switching toothpaste. When your toothaches for a prolonged period of time, it could be that you have developed sensitive teeth. You could try using a sensitive formula toothpaste. There are also topical medications you can put on a sore tooth. Saltwater rinses may also provide some relief.
If the Pain Is Severe, Go to the Emergency Dentist
Severe tooth pain is nothing you should have to tolerate for a prolonged period of time. You may have chipped a tooth, broken a tooth, or have a severely exposed nerve. Either way, you want to get it checked out right away and get some kind of relief as soon as possible.
This is the time to go to the emergency dentist. While they may not be able to fix the tooth on the spot (though this is possible), they can diagnose the problem and prescribe you with stronger medication to help you manage the pain than you can get over the counter. You will feel swifter relief and will know what you need to do to permanently solve the problem.
Now that you know more about toothaches, you can better handle the situation when you experience one. For more information, visit a site such as https://www.vanyodentistry.com/.