Dentures: Facts, Figures and Friendly Advice for Seniors

Toothache Myths You Need to Know About

28 February 2022

Herman Kim

When a toothache strikes, it's natural to want to wish it away. Unfortunately, nothing short of a visit to your dentist's office will resolve the problem. Despite being quite common, this type of dental pain is surrounded by a lot of myths. Here are a few you should know about.

The Pain Disappearing is a Good Thing

When your tooth stops aching you're going to feel an instant wave of relief. However, that doesn't mean the problem has gone away. Your teeth don't heal themselves and a sudden cessation of pain may indicate that the nerve has died. At some point in the future, the problem is likely to come back. If you want to keep your original tooth, schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can look into the matter.

Place an Aspirin on the Affected Tooth

It's easy to see why you would feel as though placing aspirin directly on your tooth is more effective than taking it orally. However, that's not how aspirin works. The pain-fighting substances in aspirin work by moving through your bloodstream and tackling pain receptors. Biting on it means it's going to take longer to absorb and won't tackle the pain receptors close to your tooth directly. Additionally, the acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin may irritate your gums, causing further discomfort.

It's Always a Cavity 

In a lot of cases, toothaches arise because you have a cavity. Dental infections are quite common, so it's easy to assume that there's one present in your mouth causing pain. However, oral injuries can cause pain too. If you've recently experienced a blow to the mouth due to contact sports or another form of force, it's important to see a dentist. Or, if you can remember feeling an unusual crunch after biting into something hard, you may be dealing with a tooth fracture. A dental x-ray can soon reveal whether a cavity is the cause of your pain or not.

Sensitive Toothpaste Will Help

Typically, tooth sensitivity won't affect just a specific area. You're likely to experience it across a range of teeth, not just one. While sensitive toothpaste will protect the dentine that responds to hot and cold temperatures, it won't help your toothache. If you're looking for short-term pain relief, try diluted clove oil or swilling with saltwater. Ultimately, though, you need to see a dentist in order to receive a formal diagnosis and begin a curative treatment plan.

For more information on a toothache, contact a company like Queen Street Dental Care.

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