Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

About Me

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

When you think about gum, you might think of blowing bubbles, or freshening your breath. However, the gums you need to think of first are the pink ones in your mouth supporting your teeth. I didn't know how important healthy gums were until I came down with a case of gingivitis in my early 20's. I had neglected my brushing and flossing habits for nearly a decade, so my last few years of college were marred by pain in my mouth and bleeding gums. It took me over a year of hard work to reverse the damage I caused and restore my mouth to peak health. My recovery included an uncomfortable and lengthy procedure known as root planing, and that experience convinced me to help others avoid the entire issue of gum disease. This is why I've created my own website to help everyone protect their gums the easy way.

 

Dos And Don'ts To Consider When Handling A Toothache At Home

24 May 2022
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Do you experience sharp pain when consuming hot or cold foods? Do you feel a dull, throbbing pain when you bite down on food or chew? Toothaches come in various forms, but they have one thing in common—they are all signs of an underlying dental issue. Failure to address the problem can lead to worse symptoms that may cost more to treat. Therefore, if you have a toothache and haven't yet visited your dentist, here are a few dos and don'ts to keep in mind.

Establish the Cause of the Toothache 

Toothaches can be caused by various dental problems. The common issues are: 

  • Tooth decay and infection
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Chips or cracks because of dental trauma
  • Tooth impaction
  • Gum disease
  • Teeth grinding and jaw clenching

Some dental issues are too complex for you to unearth without a dentist's help. However, tooth decay, trauma, and gum disease are easy to identify through a visual inspection of your mouth. Establishing the cause of the problem can help you determine whether to treat the issue as a dental emergency. For example, cavities accompanied by severe pain signify dental infection. You should see the dentist immediately to prevent the infection from spreading to body organs.

Don't Poke At the Affected Tooth

Poking at a painful tooth using toothpicks may provide temporary relief, especially if food particles are stuck in the cavities. However, toothpicks can injure your gums and cause bleeding, which will worsen the pain. Furthermore, since toothpicks are not sterile, they can cause oral infections. The sticks can also break off in your mouth, leading to bigger problems.

Poking at a tooth can damage and weaken the enamel and worsen existing cavities. Therefore, if something is stuck in your teeth, use dental floss to remove it. Brush your teeth after every meal and rinse your mouth with warm, salty water or mouthwash to flush out harmful bacteria and ease the pain. You can also use over-the-counter medication for temporary relief from toothaches.

Change Your Diet Accordingly

Hard foods can exert pressure on the teeth and worsen your toothaches. Hot and cold foods can cause sharp pains and immense discomfort. Therefore, if you have a toothache, change your diet accordingly as you wait for treatment. Opt for softer foods that won't exert pressure on the already painful jaw and gums. This is particularly important if you have a chipped, cracked, or decayed tooth. Also, take lukewarm foods and drinks to avoid tooth sensitivity. 

Toothaches can resolve after taking painkillers or rinsing the mouth with an antiseptic. However, this doesn't mean that the problem is cured. Putting off treatment can set you up for severe pain and worse dental problems. Therefore, contact your dentist immediately to schedule a consultation.

To learn more, contact a company like Sacrey & Sacrey Dentistry.