It’s National Toothache Day.  No, we aren’t celebrating them… today is a day to learn how to prevent them and how best to make them go away quickly!

Toothaches aren’t always serious, but they are most often a sign that something is wrong with your teeth or gums. Symptoms include:

  • Pain or sensitivity in or around your teeth and jaws especially when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic. (You’ll know this one if you’ve ever experienced the sensation of lightning striking in your mouth).
  • Sharp, shooting pain in or around your teeth when you bite down.
  • Dull, throbbing, constant pain that can range from mild to severe.

Why Your Teeth Hurt

Not sure how those nasty toothaches come to be in the first place? Here are some of the most common causes.

  • Tooth decay or gum disease
  • Worn enamel
  • Abscessed tooth
  • A cracked tooth or filling
  • Grinding teeth
  • TMJ (Temporomandibular joint and muscle) disorders
  • Sinus or ear infection

What To Do If You Have A Toothache

Make an appointment to see your dentist if you’ve been experiencing a toothache for longer than two days. Your toothache might not be serious, but it can be a sign of bigger problems. Your dentist will examine you and find out what is going on. Wouldn’t it be nice to get some relief from the pain?

Here’s what you can do until your appointment:

  • Floss to remove any food particles that might be causing the pain.
  • Rinse with warm saltwater.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

The best thing is to avoid ever getting a toothache by doing the following:

  • Find ways to cut out sugary foods and drinks from your diet.
  • Visit the dentist regularly for exams and cleaning.
  • If you smoke, quit.

If you have a periodontal/dental implant condition, it’s important to receive treatment before it becomes a dental emergency. At the Havrilla Center for Periodontics & Dental Implants located in Broomall, PA, attending to your comfort and concerns is our first priority.  Our mission is to provide you with the highest quality of periodontal and dental implant care in a warm and friendly environment.

Call (610) 328-9608 or click here to make an appointment.