Tips From Our Family Dental Team: When Your Smile Hurts

There are a variety of issues that can cause your smile to feel uncomfortable. Perhaps you’re experiencing a canker sore. Maybe your tooth is uncomfortable due to decay. You might have a small cut in your mouth or your gums may be swollen and irritated. Whatever it is, we know that when you’re in the midst of oral discomfort, it can become very frustrated. So, why not take some tips from our family dental team in Ankeny, IA to heart? It will see you through the experience until you make your way in for a visit!

Avoid Spicy Foods!

In order to prevent further problems or discomfort, our family dental team reminds you that whether you’re experiencing a sore, a cut, swelling, or anything else that includes serious irritation, it’s usually best to avoid spicy food. They can hurt and make swelling worse when you eat them. Why add fuel to the fire? Stick to bland foods instead for the time being.

Skip Foods That Are Too Hot (We’re Talking Temperature)

While you should avoid heat when it comes to spiciness, you should also avoid temperature-based heat! When you’re trying to limit a problem with pain in your mouth, any food or beverage that is quite hot can be uncomfortable, can make things worse, can increase swelling, and should be avoided. The same is true for ice-cold items if you have a toothache. Try to keep things lukewarm or room temp until we see you.

Leave It Alone (Really!)

We know that you’re a natural born investigator when it comes to any aspect of your health, including your oral health. However, our family dental team reminds you that when something is wrong with your smile and it’s resulting in pain, one of the last things you want to do is begin explored, poking, prodding, or attempting to “fix” things with any type of physical contact. Rather than touching the area, your most certain best solution is to leave it completely alone. Then, call our practice to let us know that you’re experiencing pain. When you let us help you, the chance of making pain and problems worse totally dissolves.

See Our Family Dental Team For Smile Help

When your smile hurts, it’s time to come in as soon as you can for a dental visit to fix the problem. Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.