There are many, many old wives' tales regarding toothaches and how to care for them. The best practice is to go to the dentist as soon as possible. If you find yourself suffering from a toothache and are not able to get to a dentist right away, try rinsing your mouth with warm water to clean it out. You can also gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. If you are in pain, you can try taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues. Schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. You could have an abscess or a more serious condition.
Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies vary, but they usually involve a broken tooth or some type of severe pain in your mouth. If you think you have a dental emergency, you should contact your dentist immediately. The sooner you take action, the more likely you are to keep the teeth involved.
Recently Answered
-
3 AnswersA
-
3 AnswersA
RealAge answeredSee All 3 AnswersIf your permanent tooth falls out or is knocked out, your dentist may be able to save it, especially if you get to the office within 30 minutes. Do not handle the tooth by the root or roots. This might damage the roots and decrease the chance for a successful reattachment. You can rinse the tooth with water, but do not scrub or brush it. Place it in a container with a lid or wrap it in gauze. Immediately call your dentist or go to an emergency room. -
1 AnswerA
RealAge answeredIf you break a tooth, call your dentist immediately. This is particularly important if a significant portion of the tooth is broken off, or if the tooth is knocked out completely. Getting to a dentist within 30 minutes of injury can often mean the difference between saving the tooth or losing it. Your dentist will determine the type of treatment needed depending on the severity of the break. Don’t try to do a self-assessment or treat the break at home. A dentist is the person who can determine how bad the break is. Since you never know when you might experience a broken tooth, be prepared by keeping your dentist’s phone numbers (office and home or cell, if possible) stored in your phone or written on a notepad that you keep with you.
-
3 AnswersA
RealAge answeredSee All 3 AnswersMany emergency rooms have dentists on call 24 hours a day for dental emergencies. Call 911 if you cannot go to a hospital on your own.
-
2 AnswersA
American Dental Association answeredSee All 2 Answers
Certain foods can cause dental problems. Foods that are extremely hard and sticky could stick to the teeth and pull out a crown, bridge or filling. Other foods can get stuck between the teeth and cause pain. It is important to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing, to limit the impact of these foods. Floss will clear the particles from between the teeth and brushing removes the sugar and other acids that may stick to the teeth and other dental work.
-
1 AnswerA
RealAge answeredYou are at higher risk for a cracked tooth if you have a habit of chewing on hard objects or food, such as ice or hard candy. Any time you repeatedly put extreme pressure on your teeth, you increase the risk for a cracked tooth. Sometimes you can put this extra pressure on your teeth if you grind or clench them. You may not even realize you are clenching your teeth when you sleep or concentrate. Other events that can increase your risk for a cracked tooth are more out of your control. You may have been in an accident or taken a fall or blow to your mouth. If your bite doesn't align correctly, this can also increase your risk of a crack.
-
3 AnswersA
RealAge answeredSee All 3 AnswersWearing braces rarely leads to a dental emergency, but accidents happen. Loose brackets usually do not cause pain, and you should make an appointment to see your orthodontist to have it glued back on. Loose bands are also not an emergency. Your orthodontist can usually manage it, but sometimes emergency help is needed. If a wire is stuck or has caused the gums or cheeks to become infected see your dentist.
-
1 AnswerA
RealAge answeredDental first aid kits can be very helpful to have in or near your regular first aid kit at work, home, or in your car. A dental first aid kit might include the following:
- Gauze and other bandages
- A handkerchief
- Small container with lid
- A topical anesthetic for pain relief, like Orajel® or Chloraseptic®
- Your dentist's phone number
- Artificial ice pack or an ice container
- Do not include aspirin, it should not be used in a dental emergency. Aspirin and other antiinflammatories, like ibuprofen, might cause clotting problems and excessive bleeding.
-
1 AnswerA
RealAge answeredA toothache is a feeling of pain in a tooth itself or in the area around a tooth. While a cavity (also known as tooth decay) is often the reason for a toothache, there are different conditions that can cause it. Some possible reasons for a toothache range from a sinus infection or earache to a heart attack that may cause pain in your jaw. If your toothache does not go away, call your dentist. Your dentist will do some tests, including an x-ray to find out the reason for your toothache, and then can suggest ways to treat it.
-
5 AnswersA
American Dental Association answeredSee All 5 AnswersDental danger signs could include bleeding, trauma to the teeth or mouth, severe toothaches or other mouth/tongue pain, infections, white colored lumps, loose teeth. All of these require immediate dental visits.
You shouldn't wait before you're in pain to see a dentist. By seeing your dentist regularly, you can avoid unnecessary pain or lasting damage. Your dentist can help in detecting early warning signs and offer treatment. Practicing good oral health is also key to prevention, including brushing your teeth twice a day.