Preventing a Toothache: Best Tips for Teeth Cleaning

Sometimes there’s nothing more debilitating than having a toothache, or toothache pain. While there are many causes for a toothache, only your Monarch dentist can provide an expert diagnosis on what may be the reason for your pain. Our emergency dentist knows just how unbearable suffering from a toothache can be, so we’ve put together some short-term toothache relief tips that may hold you over until calling our local dentists for a free consult. Find a Monarch dentist office near you to schedule your affordable, same day appointment.

Toothache Symptoms

First, let’s nail down frequent toothache symptoms that may rule out or confirm the possibility of a toothache. Toothaches can be sore and uncomfortable to say the least, but when should you consider a Monarch dentist for your toothache remedy? A visit to the dentist should be especially considered when:

• There is swelling around the tooth
• The toothache pain is sharp, throbbing, or constant
• There is foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth
• You have a fever or headache

These toothache symptoms may seem minor. However, if not treated properly or seen by a professional dentist, your symptoms can get worse and cause larger health problems down the road, especially if the toothache is caused by an infection. You should consider calling your local Monarch Dental office when your toothache pain lasts longer than 1 or 2 days, if your toothache is extremely severe or acute, or if you have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide.

Causes of a Toothache

It’s important to note what might be causing your toothache pain to begin with. Pinpointing the cause can help you and your dentist discuss what toothache remedy options may be best for your case, and can result in toothache relief much sooner.

• Tooth Decay
  • The majority of toothaches or toothache pain are a result of tooth decay. A toothache is often a tell-tale sign a cavity may be in play, which is why it’s important to visit your dentist for a filling if this is the case.
• Abscessed Tooth
  • Much more severe than tooth decay, and abscessed tooth can cause toothache pain that should be treated as soon as possible by your Monarch dentist. An abscessed tooth is a painful infection at the root of a tooth, or between the gum and a tooth that is usually caused by tooth decay that is more severe, or went untreated.
• Tooth Fracture or Damaged Filling
  • A crack in your tooth’s enamel can result in a toothache that can worsen if infected. When this happens, it can lead to tooth decay or an abscessed tooth. If a previous filling is damaged, you may be at an elevated risk for infection.
• Infected Gums
  • Gum disease such as gingivitis can also cause toothache pain when plaque builds up along the gum line. This usually leads to inflammation of the gums, allowing infection to set in.

Consult for Toothache

If you need to book an appointment and search for a “dentist near me” due to your toothache, our Monarch dentists will select from a variety of exams to administer the right treatment. A proper medical history and oral exam is important in diagnosing the cause of your toothache, and is the surest way to treat it properly for toothache relief. You can expect to receive an X-ray, should the dentist need a better view of the root of your tooth.

Treatments for a Toothache

The type of treatment for your toothache remedy will depend on the cause of the toothache. Because the majority of toothaches are caused by infections or tooth decay, your Monarch dentist may need to fill a cavity, or extract a tooth to obtain toothache relief that lasts. If the cause of the toothache is much more severe, like an abscessed tooth, a tooth extraction may need to be performed. If your toothache has resulted in fever or swelling, your Monarch dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to aid in reducing infection. Any kind of procedure performed will depend on the cause of your toothache, and the most appropriate method of treatment for you. However, the best toothache remedy is found in prevention with proper teeth cleaning techniques. Good oral hygiene habits often prevent the underlying causes of toothache and can often help avoid a toothache altogether.

Best Tips for Teeth Cleaning

Simply brushing your teeth twice a day doesn’t always mean your mouth is ready to defend against dental carriers (cavity) and infection. The best way to avoid a toothache or toothache pain is to incorporate a well-rounded oral hygiene routine with frequent visits to your Monarch dentist for a professional teeth cleaning. In between your dentist appointments, you can be sure to cover all your teeth cleaning bases with our expert tips below:

• Use the Proper Brushing Technique
  • You’re most likely brushing teeth, but what if a simple change in your technique can make this process more effective? Ensuring brushing the right way can help stave off infection that can lead to a toothache. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing at a 45-degree angle to your gums, using short back and forth strokes along the tops and sides of your teeth. Counteract this by holding the brush vertically, and use several shorter strokes on the back of your teeth.
• Brush for Two Minutes
  • Just because you brush your teeth twice a day, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing all you can to avoid your next toothache. Brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, twice daily allows enough time to fully polish every nook and cranny of your teeth. This helps remove the buildup of plaque that can lead to a toothache down the road.
• Floss, Floss, Floss
  • Brushing alone doesn’t cut it when it looking for toothache relief. Flossing properly helps clean hard to reach areas where food particles are often left behind. After you’ve brushed your teeth, grab a piece of floss that is about 18″ in length. Insert the floss between each tooth, making sure you rub against the side of the tooth in a ‘C’ shaped motion. Try to avoid snapping the floss in and out of your teeth, as this doesn’t properly clean the area and can also irritate your gums.
• Choose the Proper Toothbrush
  • When selecting your next toothbrush, look for a soft-bristled brush that can be tough on removing plaque, yet gentle on your teeth enamel. If possible, getting a toothbrush with a smaller head can actually be better at reaching tough areas in your mouth. Often, our dentists will recommend using a powered toothbrush, as it can be better at cleaning teeth. Whatever toothbrush you choose, be sure to replace it every three months or whenever it begins to wear down. Starting with the right tools can help minimize infection and provide prevention, a key to a toothache remedy.
• Consider an ADA Seal of Acceptance
  • The American Dental Association set forth guidelines for both dentists and consumers to consider when purchasing their oral health products. This seal ensures the safety and efficacy of dental products, which are important when considering what products can best help you prevent a toothache. They have a list of dental health products that have been approved for a variety of your teeth cleaning needs.
• Use Mouthwash
  • Using a mouthwash can be a great way to aid your oral health in achieving a smile that can withstand infection. Mouthwash provides an extra rinse that can rinse away leftover bacteria that may not have been removed with proper brushing and flossing. You can also choose a mouthwash that has fluoride to help strengthen enamel. This can also help with toothache relief if gums are experiencing swelling or infection.

Dentist Near Me

If you notice you may be experiencing toothache symptoms, it’s always best to check with your dental professional to ensure you receive the right toothache remedy before your toothache worsens. With so many underlying causes, it can be tough to determine just what remediation is best for you and your dental needs. Following our best tips for teeth cleaning, you can do your part in preventing a toothache (and potential headache) before your next semi-annual dental checkup.

If you do happen to need immediate toothache relief, you can book an appointment by calling us at 1-844-800-7645 or visiting us online. We also offer emergency dental services for those toothaches that just can’t wait. With same day appointments available, you’ll be sure to find toothache relief in the hands of our Monarch Dental staff.