What Causes Toothache?

There are many reasons you would be feeling pain in your tooth, and the pain can become unbearable if left untreated. Trauma to your teeth can cause tooth pain, but many toothaches are the result of tooth decay. Whether this is superficial tooth decay or the beginning of gum disease, if the toothache persists, you should see a dentist. Some of the most common causes of tooth pain are an infection, teeth grinding, and gum disease. The pain isn’t the only thing that can be accompanied by these problems, and you may experience other symptoms as well. If your toothache is accompanied with a fever, foul taste, discharge, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling, you should contact Samaritan Dental right away to get help from the best dental clinic in Los Angeles. For minor toothaches, or for one that is not accompanied by other symptoms, try some of these home remedies to relieve the pain.

How to Get Rid of Toothaches

Everyone has his or her own remedies for tooth pain and depending on how bad it is, one of these may be able to help you.

The application method – just like any other injury we sustain, our first thought is to use a hot or cold pack to help it. This is the same thing that can be done for tooth pain. Depending on what is most comfortable, and which one relieves the pain, try applying something hot or cold to the area. There are many different household items you can use instead of a hot or cold pack if you do not have one readily available. Try frozen bags of vegetables, ice cubes in a Ziploc bag, or microwaving rice. The cold application is helpful when there is swelling near the painful area to reduce the inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory medication – another useful way to reduce inflammation is to take over the counter pain relievers. Ibuprofen is effective and will help you manage the pain, as well as reduce swelling. It is always recommended to try natural remedies before resorting to medication unless instructed by your dentist.

Saltwater – using hot water with salt added not only feels good but also will help mitigate the risk of infection. By swishing salt water near the affected area for 30 seconds, you can provide temporary relief as well as clean out any infectious areas that may be forming.

Natural oils and remedies – both peppermint and clove have numbing properties and have been used for generations to help manage pain. A good at home remedy would be to place a peppermint tea bag on the affected tooth or use clove oil. Although these are great natural alternatives, the effects can be short-lived, and may not fully relieve the pain. Some people also claim that garlic and vanilla extract is helpful in this manner, so go ahead and give these a shot.

Toothache Remedies from Your Dental Clinic in Los Angeles

If these remedies do not help, or the pain worsens or persists, be sure to get professional help right away. Toothaches that are left unattended can become much more problematic, and cause irreparable or long-term damage. Samaritan Dental is a premier dental clinic in Los Angeles that will be able to diagnose and treat any tooth disease or trauma that you have. Get relief today by contacting us here!

It’s not uncommon for people with sensitive teeth to avoid eating cold food or drinking hot beverages. If hot, cold, sweet, acidic foods cause your teeth to be sensitive or painful, then you understand what we’re talking about. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, roughly 40 million U.S. adults experience tooth sensitivity, which can come and go over time. Read on to learn more about proper oral health from your downtown Los Angeles dentist Samaritan Dental Arts.

Causes

Tooth sensitivity happens when the enamel, which is supposed to protect our teeth, gets thinner or our gums recede, and the underlying surface is exposed and there is not a strong layer of protection over the tooth and root. There are a variety of dental issues that can cause teeth to become sensitive. A common habit that can cause sensitivity is worn tooth enamel that comes from using a hard-bristled toothbrush and brushing much too aggressively. Tooth erosion can also be caused by eating a lot of acidic foods and beverages.

A more significant issue, tooth decay can happen when previous fillings erode or if you have broken teeth that expose the dentin of your tooth. Receding gum lines can also cause problems because the root surface of your teeth becomes exposed. If you have the bad habit of grinding your teeth at night, this can cause sensitivity and some people develop a temporary sensitivity right after major dental work such as crowns or tooth bleaching.

Treatment Options

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, the first step is to make an appointment right away and tell them about your tooth sensitivity. Make sure you describe exactly what you are feeling, what types of foods or drinks trigger the pain, and when the pain first began. Once your dentist determines the cause of your sensitivity, treatment may be as easy as filling a cavity or replacing a broken or worn filling. If you have a more serious issue like significant gum loss, you might require a gum graft. If you are experiencing pain, and need immediate relief, you may need emergency dentistry.

There are many over-the-counter type remedies for tooth sensitivity as well, including using a toothpaste specifically for those with tooth sensitivity. Use it each time you brush, and you should notice a difference in as little as two weeks. In severe cases, your dentist might advise rubbing some of the toothpaste directly onto the sensitive area of your teeth.

If toothpaste isn’t enough, your dentist can also use a fluoride gel to strengthen the tooth enamel. This can help to ease the pain as you look to treat the cause of the sensitivity.

Dentist in Downtown Los Angeles

If you are looking for a dentist in downtown Los Angeles, contact our professionals at Samaritan Dental Arts. We are open on Saturdays and offer evening appointments. You can easily schedule an appointment online. You can also fill out the necessary forms, meet the team of professionals and view a complete list of services. They offer flexible payment options and a caring staff ready to help ease your fears.

Don’t take your dental health for granted and don’t set a bad example for your kids. It might seem like a minor inconvenience now, but if left untreated, you could develop serious issues that could impact your overall health or that of your children. For the best dentist in downtown Los Angeles, make your appointment with Samaritan Dental Arts today.

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Getting Rid of a Toothache