Toothache or Dental Pain

A Plus Dental | Toothache Or Dental Pain | Dentist Campbelltown A toothache is a common dental emergency affecting both young and old alike. When you have a toothache, everything you do is affected. Eating is difficult, loss of appetite often ensues, and sometimes a dull headache follows. Everything stops and zeroes in on that persistent pain in your mouth.

If you are suffering from a toothache, call your family dentist at A Plus Dental immediately. We provide same day emergency appointment for you and your loved ones in Campbelltown. At A Plus Dental, experience immediate care and attention for your dental emergency

Common Causes Of Toothache

A toothache is not the actual problem – it is only a symptom of a dental issue developing in your mouth that is compromising your oral health. A toothache usually means one or two of the following:

#1. Tooth decay

Research shows that one in four Aussie kids under 10, and three in ten adults, have untreated tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by the bacteria in the mouth that attack your teeth’s enamel. Poor dental hygiene allows these bacteria to thrive and damage your teeth. As the enamel is damaged, the tooth becomes sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet food and drinks, hence the toothache.

#2. Gum disease

The bacteria in your mouth not only attack your teeth but also irritate the gums. As the bacteria thrive, your gums recede and expose your teeth’s roots. Teeth with exposed roots are sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet food and drinks, hence the toothache.

#3. Abscessed tooth

An abscessed tooth is a tooth with pus accumulated inside. This may be because of a dead/dying nerve or pulp. In some cases, an abscessed tooth is caused by an infection from previous dental work.

#4. Tooth eruption.

Most children will have their full set of permanent teeth by around 12 to 13 years old. Until then your child will experience a toothache from an erupting tooth. Adults around 17-25 years old may also experience this as the third molars, or wisdom teeth, erupt.

What To Do

In case of a toothache or dental pain, here’s what you can do:

Make sure that there is no food lodged or stuck in the mouth, particularly in the aching area. Brush and floss gently.
Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash or a salt-water. For the salt-water, dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of lukewarm water. Rinse your mouth several times.
Take OTC pain relievers but be mindful of their restrictions.
Apply clove oil to the aching area. Do not use aspirin inside the mouth as this could burn the gums.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Call your dentist immediately.

It is important to understand that the first aid steps offer temporary relief. Treatment of the cause of a toothache is the only way to stop it from returning. Neglecting treatment will only cause your toothache to come and bother you again.

The earlier you attend to the toothache, the higher the chances of saving your teeth. Teeth damaged for the abovementioned reasons can lead to extraction and expensive dental treatments.