National Toothache day isn’t a day to ask who suffers from toothache, but a day to educate on causes and how to get rid of it, quick!
Toothache occurs when the innermost layer of the tooth becomes inflamed¹ and there are a number of causes which you should be aware of when suspecting toothache:¹
- Tooth decay
- A cracked tooth
- Loose or broken fillings
- Receding gums - where the gums shrink to expose softer, more sensitive parts of the tooth root
- Periapical abscess - pus at the root of the tooth caused by a bacterial infection
If you have toothache for more than one or two days, you should visit the dentist as soon as possible.
The type of treatment needed for toothache will depend on what is causing the pain. If the source is tooth decay which has gone past the point of repair your dentist will remove the decayed area and replace it with a filling. On the other hand, if the toothache is caused by a loose or broken filling, the dentist will remove it along with any decay and put a new filling in its place.
The best way to limit the chances of developing toothache and other dental complications is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible:
- Ensure you are brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste containing 1350 – 1500 ppm fluoride
- Cut down your intake of sugary treats. Eating too much sugar can lead to tooth decay. Without treatment, tooth decay can progress past the enamel and into the deeper layers of the tooth, causing pain and possible tooth loss.
- Don’t just rely on brushing your teeth for good oral hygiene. Ensure you use dental floss or interdental brushes and a fluoride mouthrinse to help prevent the growth of tooth decay
Oralieve Ultra Mild Toothpaste and Alcohol Free Mouthrinse both contain fluoride to help fight tooth decay. Use as part of your twice daily oral care routine to help promote good oral hygiene.
Receive 10% off when buying both single items together with the discount code DAILY10. Click here to visit the shop.
References:
- Toothache. NHS Choices. Available from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Toothache/. Accessed on 07/02/18
- Fluoride. NHS Choices. Available from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fluoride/. Accessed on 07/02/18