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Gainesville, FL, Toothache Treatment

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What Is A Toothache?

Our teeth aren’t the most sensitive area of our bodies, but when you have a toothache, it can be debilitating. A toothache is often a sure sign that something is wrong, and when it occurs, it can be a painful, frustrating annoyance that may result from a piece of popcorn stuck in your gums to a fractured tooth or a tooth infection. In some cases, a toothache can occur due to a temporary irritation in the gums.

Whatever problem causes your toothache, a Gainesville dentist with Van Dyke General and Implant Dentistry can help you find emergency toothache relief through professional, trusted toothache treatment in Gainesville, FL, designed to optimize your oral health and aesthetics. Contact us to schedule toothache treatment and to learn more about our complete range of general dentistry services.

What Triggers A Toothache?

Teeth may not be the most sensitive area in our bodies, but when you have a toothache, you definitely notice. Often, you are unable to think of anything else until it is soothed. Teeth do not hurt without reason; they are the body’s way of letting us know there is a problem. Oftentimes, a toothache can be a sign that you require emergency dental treatment. However, it may still be difficult to determine the cause unless there was a trauma caused to the tooth.

The pulp inside each of your teeth comprises a soft material that is filled with nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. A tooth’s pulp nerves are one of the most sensitive nerves in the human body. This means that when the pulp nerves become irritated, inflamed, or infected with an abscess, the result can be severe, overwhelming pain. Do you have a toothache? Get the toothache remedy that best meets your needs with the help of our dentist in Gainesville.

What Causes A Toothache?

The causes of a toothache can vary widely and may occur at any time, in any individual. Tooth decay is among the most common toothache causes for most adults and children, in addition to tooth abscesses, food residue, dental trauma, lost crowns, and lost fillings. Do you know the cause of your toothache pain? Contact Van Dyke General and Implant Dentistry for additional information and to schedule treatment for relief from your toothache symptoms.

Abscessed Tooth

When the bone next to a tooth is penetrated by bacteria, a tooth abscess forms as a result. Teeth abscesses can present with pockets of pus and a high degree of pain. A tooth abscess is a tooth infection that can potentially be life-threatening. If this is the source of your toothache, you should consult our dentists for immediate treatment.

Food Residue

Accumulated food and debris between your teeth, especially if your teeth are poorly aligned or have spaces, can cause you great discomfort. This issue can be solved by being diligent about practicing your oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing twice each day. Contact our dental office today to schedule your teeth cleaning appointment.

Lost Crown Or Filling

If your tooth crown, dental implant, or tooth filling falls out, then your nerves may be exposed and result in severe pain, swelling, and discomfort. You may need to go to an emergency room in order to receive pain medication and then visit your dentist for an immediate repair or replacement. Contact us for flexible emergency dental scheduling!

Broken Tooth

Chipped or broken teeth have the potential to expose nerves located in the tooth’s pulp. Once exposed, these nerves are highly sensitive to touch, temperature changes, and even air. If you keep the broken-off piece of tooth moist, your dentist may be able to reattach it. Contact our office for more information and for instructions regarding broken-tooth care.

Tooth Decay

The most common cause of toothache pain, a toothache cavity often results from an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth that eats through enamel, creating a cavity. The first signs of decay may present as pain when you eat something sweet, hot, or cold, or brown/white spots on the teeth. Treatment may require a simple filling, root canal, or an extraction.

Infected Gums

Another common cause of toothache pain is inflammation or infection at the root of the tooth or in the gums, resulting in gum disease or gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. Your gums are just as important as your teeth and should be cared for as such. If you suffer from gum issues, you may require periodontal therapy in order to improve your oral health.

Symptoms Of A Toothache

Each patient is unique and, as a result, individuals may experience varying types and degrees of toothache symptoms. Generally, however, the vast majority of patients with a toothache report suffering from toothache pain, which can range from mild and moderate discomfort to severe or excruciating pain. If you experience difficulty with breathing or swallowing in addition to oral pain, call our Gainesville dentist’s office right away. The following comprises a number of the most common symptoms of a toothache.

  • Sharp, throbbing, or constant tooth pain
  • Tooth pain that occurs when pressure is applied
  • Swelling and inflammation around the tooth
  • A fever or headache from toothache pain
  • Foul-tasting liquid draining from the tooth
  • A foul odor coming from the mouth or tooth

Will A Toothache Go Away On Its Own?

In some cases, certain types of toothaches with pain around the tooth, but not inside the tooth, can potentially go away without visiting the dentist for treatment. Pain from a temporary gum irritation, such as the lodging of a popcorn kernel husk between the gum and tooth, can sometimes be resolved on its own in a few days with regular oral hygiene, such as rinsing the mouth out after eating, and brushing and flossing at least twice a day.

If this occurs, we recommend avoiding chewing around the affected area of the mouth and choosing soft foods, like yogurt, eggs, and other non-irritating items. If your teeth feel sensitive, avoid consuming very sweet, very hot, and very cold foods and drinks. For most people, however, toothache pain signals a greater issue in the teeth or gums and, as a result, it requires prompt treatment by a dental professional in order to resolve the pain.

How Long Does A Toothache Last?

On its own, a toothache is not fatal, but an untreated tooth infection (or an infection in any other part of the body) can spread, potentially resulting in severe consequences. When left untreated, infections can cause you to become ill, and the illness may progress into something that is life-threatening. If your toothache pain or other toothache symptoms do not resolve, it is critical that you contact your dentist for prompt treatment. If you experience any degree of oral pain, seeing the dentist is a good idea. In general, you should see your dentist immediately for a toothache if the following applies to you.

  • Your toothache pain is severe, debilitating, or excruciating
  • Your toothache lasts longer than a couple of days
  • Your toothache accompanies a fever, earache, or jaw pain
  • You have swelling/inflammation in your mouth or face
  • You have a gum condition, dental abscess, or issues
  • You have a foul taste or smell coming from your mouth

Toothache Treatment In Gainesville, FL

The specific type of toothache treatment you receive depends on what is causing your toothache, whether it results from tooth decay, food residue, plaque build-up, a tooth infection, lost filling, lost crown, or lost dental implant, among other causes. If your toothache results from tooth decay and a cavity, then your dentist will likely fill the cavity, perform root canal therapy, or (if necessary) remove the tooth through a dental extraction. A root canal procedure removes and replaces infected tooth pulp with a special sealing material. This may be required if the cause of the pain is an infection of the tooth’s internal nerves and tissues.

When bacteria work their way into the inner spaces of the root of a tooth, an infection can occur. If you have a fever, swelling, inflammation, or other symptoms from a toothache, your dentist may prescribe you a toothache antibiotic and special toothache pain relief medicine in order to help your body combat the bacteria causing the issue. Even with minor toothaches resulting from simple food residues, the food particles can become stuck under the gums and cause an infection. In this case, your dentist may recommend a deep dental cleaning as well as further periodontal therapy (gum therapy), if necessary.

Many people fear going to the dentist. When they have a toothache, this fear escalates and patients may attempt to avoid scheduling an appointment for treatment. However, if you do not consult a dentist immediately, not only will you suffer from pain, but the problem may intensify. Our dentists understand your fears and will strive you provide you with gentle teeth cleaning and compassionate dental services to keep you at ease. If you experience any sort of toothache, call Van Dyke General and Implant Dentistry immediately for professional treatments you can count on for better and brighter oral health and wellness.

Home Remedies For Toothache

If your toothache, as well as the underlying cause of the toothache, progresses, then at-home pain relief likely will not prove effective. Despite patients’ best efforts, the pain from a toothache can become more severe as the oral issue progresses and, at this point, the only effective tooth nerve pain relief is found at the dentist’s office. Once you have scheduled an appointment with your dentist, you can pursue a dentist-recommended toothache home remedy, such as the following, for temporary pain relief.

  • Clove oil for toothache pain. Clove oil is among a number of natural remedies for toothache pain. It is a natural antiseptic that numbs pain and reduces inflammation. Apply a small dab of oil to a cotton ball and apply to the painful area.
  • Warm saltwater rinse. Saltwater can help loosen debris between teeth, disinfect the mouth, and reduce inflammation. Stir a half teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, then, use the solution to rinse your mouth thoroughly.
  • Hydrogen peroxide rinse. A rinse of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration) can help reduce gum irritation and tooth pain. Once diluted, rinse your mouth out thoroughly. Avoid swallowing any of the liquid.
  • Cold compress. A cold compress can likewise help keep inflammation down and reduce oral pain. Hold a cold compress of ice wrapped in a towel to the area for short periods of time. Repeat this every few hours, or as recommended.
  • Over-the-counter pain medications. Over-the-counter pain medications can reduce toothache inflammation and pain. Aspirin and ibuprofen can be used, or acetaminophen if you are unable to take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

How Can I Prevent A Toothache?

Dealing with a toothache is a painful experience. While many toothache home remedies can offer you temporary pain relief, they don’t provide permanent solutions.

Because the vast majority of toothaches and toothache pain result from tooth decay and cavities, practicing good oral hygiene every day and visiting your dentist for regular dental cleanings and check-ups can help you avoid experiencing toothaches and having to suffer through toothache pain in the future. Eat a healthy and balanced diet and avoid consuming sugary treats and fatty foods. Additionally, you should avoid smoking or using tobacco products and drink plenty of water to maintain proper hydration. For additional toothache-prevention tips and to schedule your dental appointment, contact our office.

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