Blog
All About Toothaches
Believe it or not, there’s a national day to honor toothaches of all things. It’s true. February 9th has been labelled National Toothache Day. It is not clear the origin of this day and remains a mystery, but is it coincidental that the Hershey’s Candy corporation was founded in February of 1894 and may be the cause of so many toothaches? Whatever its history, National Toothache Day is a reminder for all to focus on good oral health, and keep troublesome toothaches at bay.
So what causes toothaches? Many factors can contribute to toothaches such as decay, swelling, cracked or broken teeth, damaged dental work, gum disease or infection. The symptoms of toothache include sharp pain or dull pain in or around the tooth. The most common cause of a toothache is a dental cavity as a result of tooth decay, but proper diagnosis is needed by your dentist to determine the cause and determine the treatment.
What can you do to ease toothaches until you can get to your dentist? Here are a few home remedies to try:
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm, salt water.
- Place a warm, wet tea bag placed over the area
- Floss your teeth gently to dislodge any food particles that may be between them.
- Use a toothpaste that is for sensitive teeth.
- Avoid extreme hot or cold foods.
- Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
Get to your dentist quickly to determine the cause and treatment. There are various procedures that your dentist may use to stop a toothache depending on the cause of the pain such as dental fillings, root canals, or tooth extraction. Follow a proper oral hygiene routine, focus on good oral hygiene and don’t forget about your regular dental checkups. Contact Westchase Premier Dental at (813) 475 – 4528 if you are experiencing any pain or to schedule your next checkup.
Let’s work toward making every day a Toothache Free Day!
Further Reading: Home Remedies for Toothaches.
Proper Oral Appliance Cleaning Methods
Countertop ultrasonic cleaners are the best way to get your appliance cleaned. These units work by emitting high frequency sound vibrations. The vibrations loosen up plaque and tiny food particles from the crevices in the appliance. These units also pose less of a scratching risk to the appliance than manual cleaning.
Some people prefer to use a brush, but there are a few dos and don’ts to follow. There are brushes designed for certain dental appliances that you may use or a soft-bristle toothbrush (one that you do not use for your natural teeth). There are cleaners specially designed for oral appliances, but mild dish detergent or antibacterial hand soap will work just as well. You should never use toothpaste. Most toothpastes contain an abrasive ingredient for removing plaque from enamel, which could leave scratches on your appliance.
Boiling may kill bacteria, but the high heat may soften and warp the plastic material. This could alter the way the appliance fits and make them loose and uncomfortable. Always avoid using bleach. Bleach can whiten the area designed to mimic the red color of real gum tissue. Dental appliances should never be worn around the clock unless you’ve been advised to do so. This increases the potential growth and spread of bacteria.
Keeping your appliance clean will help it will last longer. Follow a proper home hygiene routine and regular dental visits to keep your teeth and appliance in top shape. Give us a call at (813) 475 – 4528 to schedule your next dental visit.
