Can you believe that there’s actually a day dedicated to toothaches? It’s true! February 9th is recognized as National Toothache Day, and in honor of this ‘holiday,’ the team at our dental office in Alexandria is here to celebrate by giving you advice on how to ease toothache pain.
What Causes a Toothache?
There’s no one thing that leads to a toothache, but oftentimes toothaches can be caused by:
- Erupting teeth (in children)
- Decay or cavities
- Chipped tooth
- Food that’s become wedged deep in between teeth
- Improper brushing and flossing
The Truth About Toothaches
The truth is, toothaches don’t usually just pop up out of nowhere. They’re typically a sign of an underlying problem. While at-home toothache remedies can provide temporary relief, it’s wise to see your dentist in Alexandria sooner rather than later. Early intervention will help diagnose any problems quickly and when treatment is usually easier and more successful.
Toothache Remedies
If you’re experiencing a toothache there are things you can do to help ease the pain before your dental visit including:
- Rinsing with warm salt water
- Holding an ice pack to your cheek
- Gently flossing the sore spot
- Taking over-the-counter pain medicine
Nobody wants to experience a toothache. They’re painful and annoying for anyone, and the discomfort can absolutely affect our quality of life. When and if you get a toothache, treat it gently and with care and schedule a visit to our Alexandria dental office as soon as you can.
Avoiding Toothaches
The best ways to avoid a toothache in the first place is to make sure you’re brushing and flossing properly every day and getting dental checkups at least every six months. Practicing preventive care can reduce the risk of toothaches and help keep painful problems away.
We’re always welcoming new patients at our dental office and welcome you to schedule an appointment with us today!
Serving Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and surrounding neighborhoods.