A toothache doesn’t sound very bad until you develop one. Then, what seemed like a small and unimportant problem grows into something debilitating. What can make a toothache even worse is not knowing its cause or how to care for it, so your Rochester MN dentist, Dr. Calcagno, is sharing a few tips for dealing with troublesome toothaches.
Handling a Toothache: The First Step
Many toothaches occur when an irritant, such as a food particle, becomes wedged between teeth. The presence of the irritant aggravates the mouth, resulting in pain. Thus, a great first step to dealing with a troublesome toothache is to rinse the mouth with warm water and then floss in the area of the toothache. If the toothache is being caused by an irritant, rinsing and flossing should relieve it. However, if the toothache does not improve, it is likely that an irritant is not the cause.
Step Two: Pain Relievers
If a toothache begins to interfere with your day-to-day activities, you may want to take a pain reliever. A popular myth encourages placing the aspirin directly on the aching tooth. However, the aspirin is intended to be swallowed, and swallowing it will be much more effective in relieving the pain.
Step Three: Further Diagnosis and Dental Care
Some toothaches crop up out of nowhere and disappear just as quickly. However, others tend to linger, and it is this type of toothache that you must not ignore. A lingering toothache can indicate a serious problem with your oral health, so if you notice any toothaches that just won’t seem to improve, contact your Rochester MN dentist, Dr. Calcagno for dental assistance. Some possible causes of a lingering toothache are listed below.
- A cracked tooth
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Tooth decay
Schedule a Visit with Your Rochester MN Dentist
If you have a persistent toothache, don’t ignore it. Contact your Rochester MN dentist, Dr. Calcagno, today at (507) 281-3659 to schedule an appointment or a consultation. We look forward to treating patients from Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Farmington, and surrounding communities.
