How do you know when to seek treatment for tooth discomfort?
There are many causes of toothache, some requiring immediate attention, and some that can be relieved at home. Our Perth dental clinic team is here to give you tips for quick relief from your toothache, and to ensure that your teeth stay in excellent condition. In this article, we are recommending preventative treatment for staying on top of any potential problems.
What might lead to a toothache?
- Dental decay
- An infected tooth (a bacterial infection inside the centre of the tooth)
- Tooth breakage
- A damaged filling
- Repetitive actions like clenching or grinding your teeth
- Contaminated gums
- Tooth eruption (teeth coming out of the gums)
The most common symptom of toothache is sensitive teeth that hurt when hot or cold food is eaten. If you experience any signs of severe toothache, don’t hesitate to contact your preferred dentist at West Coast Dental Care.
What symptoms indicate a toothache?
- Pain in the teeth that can be sharp, throbbing, or always there. Some people only feel pain when they put pressure on their teeth.
- Pain that radiates through your temple and sometimes can mimic an ear ache
- You have drainage from the infected tooth that releases a bad taste and looks like a pimple on the side of your gum.
- Gum disease can cause bad breath.
If the pain makes breathing or swallowing hard, you should call a dentist immediately.
How do I take care of a toothache at home?
Firstly, it is best to try and prevent it with regular checks and maintenance at your dentist. Make an appointment.
You can temporarily ease a toothache by doing the following:
- Use warm salt water to rinse. Saltwater can loosen food stuck between your teeth, kill germs, and reduce swelling. Mix a half teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, and use that to thoroughly rinse your mouth. Contact your dentist.
- Seek relief with a cold pack. For pain and swelling, put an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the painful area for 20 minutes at a time. After a few hours, we recommend that you do it again. Contact your dentist.
Book your dental consultation at West Coast Dental Care today
You should visit your dentist in Perth if you have any of the following symptoms: pain while chewing, brushing, or flossing, persistent teeth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and swelling in the jawbone. If you think you may be suffering from a toothache, call our Perth dental clinic today for an appointment. Our dentists can address the root cause of your pain and design a treatment plan to suit your individual needs and preferences. You can also read our recent article about the value of having a bi-annual dental check-up here.