Why Does My Tooth Hurt?
Cavities are the most common toothache culprit, but only an oral exam will be able to tell for sure what’s at the root of your pain. Here are some other reasons why your tooth may be throbbing:
A bacterial infection in the nerve of the tooth, called an abscess
Gum disease
Teeth grinding
Getting hit in the jaw or teeth while playing sports or other activities
Sinus or ear infections can also cause a toothache. They are often accompanied by a headache.
What Can I Do to Ease the Pain?
An over-the-counter pain medication such as Advil or Tylenol may help ease the pain temporarily. Here’s what else you can do to try to make the pain go away:
Rinse with warm salt water.
Gently floss your teeth to see if any food might be trapped there.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling, especially if an injury is causing your pain.
Should I Call My Dentist?
See your dentist if your toothache lasts longer than a day, because your condition can worsen if left untreated. If your tooth becomes infected, for instance, your dentist may need to pull the tooth or perform a root canal to remove the damaged tissue from the tooth. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling around the tooth, or pain when you bite, which could signal a cracked tooth. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to provide some relief and aid the healing process.
The best way to prevent a toothache is to maintain good oral hygiene—brushing gently twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day—and wearing a mouth guard when playing sports.
Cosmo Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency serving surrounding communities in New Jersey. Cosmo keeps its promise to assure an efficient and creative approach to the services we offer. Each of our clients experience a personalized and long-term relationship with us. Our New Jersey based team of health brokers guides our clients in helping them choose the most cost-effective options. By incorporating the latest in technology-based tools and laws on healthcare, employee benefits, life insurance and finance, we keep our clients up-to-date with the plans that encompass all of their needs, whether it is individual or group insurance.
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