From Your Ankeny Dentist: How to Manage a Toothache

Toothaches don’t have set time or place to arrive. The painstarts throbbing suddenly, causing swelling, fevers, and headaches. To say this temporary condition causes discomfort is an understatement. Moreover, at that moment, a dentist may not treat you right away due to late hours or just plain unavailability. The only solution is to locate the troublesome tooth, and nurse it gently, until a dentist has a chance to treat you. Your Ankeny dentist, Dr. Foust understands the pain can seem unbearable, however, she offers these tips, in case you encounter such a situation.

Causes of a Toothache

Dental pain can occur rapidly and suddenly for a variety of reasons. Only an examination will tell the exact source of the pain, however, it is most likely due to:

  • Tooth decay
  • An abscessed tooth
  • Tooth fracture
  • Damage caused to a filling
  • Teething grinding or clenching
  • Infected gums

Once the dentist has a chance to inspect the tooth, she can determine the cause of the ailment and start treating the tooth right away.

How to Temporarily Treat a Toothache

If you experience a toothache, yet can’t see a dentist, use these helpful hints to manage the pain.

  1. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and keep the tooth clean and free of food particles.
  2. Use clove oil the between the sore gum and tooth. The pain should begin to alleviate within minutes.
  3. Lastly, a plain, wet Lipton tea bag can reduce swelling and provide some pain relief due to the naturally-present tannins in the tea.

Dental Impressions Mends Toothache Pain

A toothache could mean serious business, and you shouldn’t delay coming to our Ankeny office. With the proper, immediate attention, your 50021 dentist can locate the issue and begin treatment immediately. To schedule an appointment, call us at (515) 965-0230. Also visit our website to print patient forms, learn about our team, and view our services. Our friendly office looks forward to treating patients from Polk City, Bondurant, Elkhart, Alleman and surrounding cities.