715-845-3200Are toothaches a mystery to you? If so, that’s understandable. They can attack at random and hurt acutely. Many people just wait them out until they pass, but this is not always the right call. You don’t have to submit to the onslaught of the toothache. Here’s how it happens and what you can do to defeat it:
Inside of every tooth, there is living tissue: veins, nerves, and an artery. You need these parts to sense the pressure and temperature of food and any other items that may touch your teeth. Certain types of bacteria can actually dig tiny holes into your tooth enamel and attach to the organic tissue. The tissue protects itself by swelling up. Because there is no room in the tooth for it to expand, it is instead constricted, resulting in a toothache.
If you have a toothache, the first thing to do is to book an appointment with Szmanda Dental so Dr. Paul Szmanda, Tom Nichols, Aaron Pavelski, Kate Collelo and Dustin Dengel can help you as soon as possible. We’ll give you fast and friendly treatment. If you’re traveling or can’t come into the office for other reasons, here’s a short term “Do It Yourself” guide for fighting toothaches:
1. The 3 – 3 – 3 method: Take three ibuprofens three times a day for three days to reduce inflammation. Make sure you follow through or the ibuprofen could wear off and the toothache will swell again halfway through.
2. Heat salt in a pan of water until the salt falls to the bottom of the pan. Poor the water solution in a cup then swish it around in your mouth.
3. Smear clove oil on a cotton swab and rub it on and around your tooth.
4. Keep your head raised on a pillow. This will make it more difficult for blood to get to your teeth and therefore result in less pain.
5. Place a cold compress or even a bag of frozen vegetables over your cheek.
Remember, though: our best advice is to come into Szmanda Dental in Wausau, Wisconsin. Call 715-845-3200 to make an appointment.