Toothache

Our toothache relief addresses the source of your pain, whether it’s a cavity, cracked tooth, infection, or gum problem. Persistent discomfort is a sign that something needs attention.

Until your visit, rinse with warm salt water, floss gently to remove trapped food, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, since it can burn the tissue.

Call us right away if the pain is severe or comes with swelling or fever. We’ll diagnose the problem and recommend treatment to keep it from coming back.

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Female Patient Smiling While Speaking With Her Dentist During A Dental Appointment

Causes of Toothache

Tooth pain can arise from a variety of issues, including:

Tooth fracture
Tooth decay
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Damaged fillings
Severe sinus headache or congestion (often due to cold or flu)
Abscessed teeth (severe infection)
Oral cysts
Periodontitis (severe gum disease)

To determine the exact cause of your tooth pain, Desert Pearl Dentistry will ask you a series of questions, take x-rays, and perform tests to identify your specific issue. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, don’t wait—make an appointment with us right away!

Temporary Remedies

If you can’t get to the dentist right away, here are a few things you can do to alleviate the pain temporarily:

Rinse With Warm Water

Gently rinse your mouth to help remove food particles or debris. Warm water is easier on a sore tooth than very hot or very cold water, because temperature changes can set off the pain. A rinse can clear trapped food, but it will not treat the cause of the pain.

WARM WATER IS THE ADA’S FIRST STEP FOR A TOOTHACHE

The ADA lists rinsing as the first step for tooth pain and advises that a dental emergency calls for a visit to your dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible.

“For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out”

American Dental Association, “Dental Emergencies,” MouthHealthy

Use Dental Floss

Carefully remove any food particles or plaque lodged between your teeth. Do not use pins, forks, or other sharp objects to dig out food. If the floss does not loosen it, see a dentist.

GENTLE FLOSSING IS THE ADA-RECOMMENDED WAY TO CLEAR TRAPPED FOOD

The ADA also says never to snap floss into the gums, and to talk with your dentist if cleaning between your teeth still hurts.

“Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle, rubbing motion”

American Dental Association, “Flossing,” MouthHealthy

Cold Compress

Apply a cold compress to the affected area by gently pressing it against your cheek. Wrap the compress in a thin cloth so the cold is gentle on your skin. It can help with swelling for a short time, but it will not treat the cause of the pain.

PATIENTS WHO USED COLD THERAPY HAD LESS SWELLING AFTER WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL

A review of studies on lower wisdom tooth removal found less swelling with cold therapy two days later.

“Patients receiving cryotherapy had less edema than patients in the control group”

Fernandes IA, Armond ACV, Falci SGM, “The Effectiveness of the Cold Therapy (cryotherapy) in the Management of Inflammatory Parameters after Removal of Mandibular Third Molars: A Meta-Analysis,” International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology, 2019

Switch Toothpaste

Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid further irritation. Brush gently in an up-and-down motion, not side to side, which can wear away exposed root surfaces. Sensitive-teeth toothpaste can ease brief pain but does not treat decay or infection, so keep your dental visit.

SENSITIVE-TEETH TOOTHPASTE IS A FIRST STEP FOR BRIEF HOT AND COLD PAIN

The American Association of Endodontists says brief sensitivity to hot or cold foods generally does not signal a serious problem, unless it lasts for a long time.

“Try using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth”

American Association of Endodontists, “Tooth Pain”

Pain Relievers

Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as directed. Follow the label, and check with a doctor or pharmacist if you have other health conditions or take other medicines. Do not place aspirin directly on the sore tooth or gums.

THE NIH SAYS OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN MEDICINE CAN HELP UNTIL YOU SEE A DENTIST

The NIH also lists a severe toothache, pain that lasts longer than a day or two, and fever as reasons to seek medical care.

“You can use over-the-counter pain medicine if you can’t see your dentist”

National Library of Medicine, “Toothaches,” MedlinePlus, National Institutes of Health

Remember, these methods only offer temporary relief. It’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation.

Dentist Showing a Dental Model to a Female Patient During a Consultation

If Your Toothache Goes Away

Even if it temporarily goes away, it’s important to get dental care as soon as possible. The nerves causing the pain may have died due to infection or damage, but the underlying problem may still be present. Don’t delay treatment. Contact Desert Pearl Dentistry in Rancho Mirage, CA for professional care.

Stop the Pain With Our Toothache Relief

Our toothache relief helps you feel better fast and protects your smile. We’ll find the cause and fix it at the source. Call Desert Pearl Dentistry today.