A pain or ache in a single tooth or pain deep in your gums is often a serious warning sign of a serious problem. If there is no direct trauma, such as a fall or blow to the face that caused the pain, it is likely a sign of infection or tooth decay. In many of these cases, early diagnosis and treatment is key for a successful resolution.
As soon as a toothache begins, you should call your dentist for advice on how to manage the pain and to schedule an appointment. If you can’t for some reason, contact your dentist immediately there are a few things you can do to help manage the pain.
If the pain was caused by a blow to the face or a fall you can try to rub the gums with a topical oral analgesic. If you experience swelling in your jaw, lip or cheek you can hold a cold compress to your face for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. If the pain persists you should call your dentist to make sure there is not a fracture or other damage to the root.
If you suspect the pain is related to tooth decay or infection, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If you have a toothache you should call us at 360-943-4777 to schedule an appointment.
