Toothaches have different causes but they all have one thing in common – pain! Having a toothache puts a damper on everything, and it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible.

A toothache can have different causes. Most commonly, trauma or infection can result in pain in and around the area. On top of that, gum disease, grinding teeth, an abnormal bite, and tooth eruption (in children) are all other possible reasons why there might be pain coming from your tooth. (Similarly, sinus or ear infections and strain from facial muscles can feel just like a toothache.)

What do I do?

Making an appointment with your dentist is the first thing you should do. Leaving a toothache without treatment can result in much more serious problems that require more time and money. That said, we understand life gets in the way and it’s not always convenient to run right to the dentist’s office.

Here are some things you can do in the meantime to help treat your toothache and manage the pain:

• Clean out the whole area by brushing and flossing to ensure that there isn’t a foreign body in your gums or tooth.
• Clean the affected area by rinsing with warm salt water.
• Take Advil or Tylenol to help keep the pain manageable until your appointment. Please be sure to follow dosing instructions.
• In case of swelling or jaw pain, icing the painful areas can help minimize the pain.

For additional information about Pine Tree Dental Care in Falmouth, Maine or to make an appointment, call our dental office at 207-781-4216.