Have you ever had a toothache come out of nowhere, right in the middle of dinner or just as you’re about to fall asleep? It’s no fun at all. That throbbing pain can make it hard to eat, sleep, or even think straight. At Fort Washington Dental Associates, we understand how stressful it is to deal with tooth pain, especially when you can’t get to the dentist right away.
The good news? There are safe, simple things you can do at home to feel better while you wait for your appointment. In this post, we’ll walk you through what causes toothaches, how to care for one at home, and when it’s time to call for emergency dental care.
Decoding Tooth Pain: Why Does My Tooth Hurt?
Toothaches can happen for a wide variety of reasons. Some are minor, and others may need quick attention from an emergency dentist. Knowing the possible cause can help you stay calm and take the right steps while you wait.
Here are a few of the most common reasons people get toothaches:
- Cavities: Tooth decay is one of the top causes of dental pain. If a cavity has reached the inner part of your tooth (the pulp), it can hurt a lot.
- Gum Infection: If your gums are swollen, red, or bleeding, gum disease may be the problem. Infections in the gums can also lead to abscesses, which are serious and painful.
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth: You might not even notice a small crack, but it can expose sensitive nerves and lead to sharp pain.
- Something Stuck Between Teeth: A popcorn kernel or food particle can cause a surprising amount of discomfort.
- Lost Fillings or Crowns: When a dental restoration falls out, it can expose sensitive parts of your tooth and cause discomfort.
No matter the reason, it’s important to get checked out. But until you get to our office for a scheduled consultation or emergency dentistry in Washington Heights, here are some steps you can take to ease the pain.
What to Do If You Have a Toothache
When a toothache strikes, here are a few steps you can take at home to feel a bit better:
1. Rinse with Warm Salt Water
Mix about a half teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Gently swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Salt water helps reduce swelling and cleans the area around the sore tooth.
2. Gently Floss
Sometimes, food gets stuck between your teeth and puts pressure on the gums. Food impactions can create so much pressure that it can feel like a serious problem. Gently floss around the sore spot to remove anything that might be trapped. If you get food stuck in the same area frequently, you may have a small gap or fracture between your teeth that needs to be fixed, so it’s a good idea to make an appointment.
3. Use a Cold Compress
If your cheek or jaw is swollen, apply a cold pack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel) to the outside of your face. Hold it there for 15–20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and numb the pain. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing TMJ pain from grinding or clenching your teeth, a warm compress can help to relax the muscles.
4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
If you’re able to take them, pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help take the edge off the pain in many cases. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label, and don’t take more than recommended. If your tooth pain does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, get in touch with an emergency dentist near you right away.
5. Be Gentle with It!
Stick to soft, cool, and lukewarm foods. Avoid anything too hot, cold, sweet, sticky, or crunchy. Try to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the pain is.
These steps can make things more manageable, but they won’t solve the problem. A dental visit is still the best way to fix the cause of the pain for good. If you’re not sure how serious your tooth pain is, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We can help you figure out what’s going on and schedule you for a consultation or emergency dentistry in Washington Heights.
What NOT to Do If You Have a Toothache
It’s just as important to know what to avoid when dealing with a toothache:
- Don’t put aspirin directly on your gums or tooth. This old home remedy can actually burn your gums and cause more pain.
- Don’t use sharp objects to poke around the sore area. You could cause more damage or make an infection worse.
- Don’t ignore the pain. Even if it comes and goes, tooth pain is usually a sign that something needs attention.
Pain is your body’s way of saying something isn’t right. If it lasts longer than a day or two, give us a call. And if it’s very intense or seems urgent, you don’t even need to wait that long!
When to Call an Emergency Dentist
Some toothaches can wait a day or two, but others need help right away. Here are some signs you may need emergency dental care:
- Swelling in your face or jaw
- A tooth ache that comes with a fever, or feeling generally sick
- A sharp, constant pain that doesn’t go away
- A broken or knocked-out tooth
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
If you’re in Washington Heights, NYC and you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Call Fort Washington Dental Associates. We offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible, because your health and comfort come first.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Once your appointment is scheduled, here’s how you can help us help you faster:
- Make a note of your symptoms. When did the pain start? Is it sharp or dull? Does anything make it worse or better?
- List any medications you’re taking. This helps us safely choose the best treatment for you.
- Tell us what you’ve already tried. If you’ve used pain relief, salt rinses, or cold compresses, let us know. It gives us a full picture of your situation.
The more we know, the faster we can get to the root of the problem and ease your discomfort.
We’re Here When You Need Us!
Tooth pain is never convenient, but you’re not alone. At Fort Washington Dental Associates, we’re here to help you feel better, fast. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a cracked tooth, or a dental emergency that just can’t wait, our friendly and compassionate team is ready to help.
Call us at 212.928.9000 to speak to someone right away, or contact us through the website to schedule an appointment. We’re proud to serve families throughout Washington Heights and the surrounding NYC area, and we’re always just a phone call away when you need us most.
