Many of us have had that moment when we realize that we have a toothache. It may be a pain that has slowly built up over a period of weeks and days, or it may appear suddenly in the middle of the night, driving home after work, or watching television. Toothaches may be the result of a cavity, weakened enamel, or infected pulp. It may have been brought on by improper brushing and flossing, improperly aligned teeth striking one another, grinding or clenching your teeth, or even the result of a sinus infection.
Even if the pain is not severe, you should schedule an appointment to see Dr. Barrie Suzanne Zweier at Logan Family Dental in Logan, Ohio. Until then, you can try flossing and brushing the affected area to remove any food debris or foreign matter. An over-the-counter or topical pain reliever may help, but do not apply aspirin directly to the tooth or gums.
The best way to deal with a toothache is to prevent it from happening in the first place. You should brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day for two minutes at a time, and floss at least once a day. If you brush after your meals, you should wait for thirty minutes after eating to give the saliva in your mouth time to rinse away the acids that are left over from your food.
You should also visit your dentist twice a day for your routine cleanings and checkups. Your office visits will give your dentist a chance to clean the plaque and tartar from your teeth that you may have missed while brushing and will give her the opportunity to look for cavities, gum disease, and other problems.
Whether you have a toothache or if it is just time for your regular visit, you can make an appointment at Logan Family Dental by calling phone. We’re excited to be a part of our oral health team.
