Cavities are the most common problems in dental patients. The second most common are toothaches that are signs of bacterial infections. Using alcohol or painkillers to drown out tooth pain simply doesn’t fix anything, and baking soda only works on minor pain. There are ways to tell if your aching is minor or serious and requires professional dental services.
When the Pain Is Normal
It's rare for any kind of pain to be normal. It's usually the sign of a tooth infection that could worsen very quickly. But with a toothache, you cannot rush to the dentist at the first sign of trouble. Here are some ways for you to alleviate the problem before you can get into a dental chair.
Which DIY Solutions Should You Consider?
Your text to link...The first solution is to rinse the infection out with water and baking soda. Many toothpastes and mouthwashes already contain baking soda, so it's proven to work on teeth. Some people rinse their mouths several times a day. This is mostly a preventative measure, but it may work after the infection has already formed.
Another option is to place the solution directly on a cloth and dab the infected area. In addition to baking soda solutions, there are disinfecting mouthwashes that are effective. Overall, the point is to stop the infection from spreading to the remaining tooth.
When the Pain Is Too Severe
When you can no longer eat very cold foods without feeling a toothache, the infection is serious. You may find yourself eating on one side of your mouth. If you place any substance on an infected tooth and start feeling intense pain afterwards, it's time to visit a dentist.
The worst pain is caused by an infection set deep within the tooth. It can last for hours and even cause migraines. Anyone who suffers from regular flare ups of pain cannot focus on their day-to-day tasks. Some pain comes and goes, but that doesn't mean that it will go away completely. Visit a dentist right after you see the first signs of a problem.
Know When to Contact a Dentist
Tooth pain is a common complaint among dental patients. The pain may go away when you stop touching the tooth, but the infection remains and gets worse the longer that you do nothing. In the worst case, you could lose a tooth. If baking soda or mouthwash doesn't work, contact a dentist immediately.