National Toothache Day

February 9th is National Toothache Day. Did you know tooth decay is the primary cause of most toothaches in children and adults.  

Other causes of a toothache can include:

• Food and debris stuck between your teeth or gums.
• Inflammation or infection in the tooth or gums.
• Trauma to the tooth, including injury, fracture or from grinding your teeth.
• Children may experience some discomfort when a new tooth erupts through the gums, such as when a permanent tooth is coming in to replace a baby tooth that has fallen out.
• Sometimes a sinus infection can cause pain in your upper teeth.

In many cases, a toothache often requires treatment by your dentist to be resolved so please give your Park Dental practice a call right away! Your dentist will be able to examine the tooth that is causing you discomfort and create a treatment plan.

Until we can see you, below are a few at-home solutions you can try to help minimize any discomfort.

• Try gently rinsing your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to dislodge any food particles that may be wedged between your teeth.
• An over-the-counter pain reliever may help dull the ache. Always follow the package dosing instructions. For small children, it’s best to consult their pediatrician before giving any medication.
• If the toothache is caused by trauma to the tooth, applying a cool compress to the outside of your cheek may help reduce swelling and pain.

The best way to prevent a toothache is to practice good oral hygiene habits.

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Visit your Park Dental Dentist twice a year for a dental cleaning.