Grand Rapids Dentist DentistsSimple toothaches can often be relieved by rinsing the mouth to clear it of debris and other matter.

Sometimes, a toothache can be caused or aggravated by a piece of debris lodged between the tooth and another tooth. Avoid placing an aspirin between your tooth and gum to relieve pain, because the dissolving aspirin can actually harm your gum tissue.

A broken, fractured, or displaced tooth is usually not a cause for alarm, as long as decisive, quick action is taken. If the tooth has been knocked out, try to place the tooth back in its socket while waiting to see your dentist.

Solutions For Toothaches

First, rinse the mouth of any blood or other debris and place a cold cloth or compress on the cheek near the injury. This will keep down swelling. If you cannot locate the tooth back in its socket, hold the dislocated tooth by the crown (top), not the root.

Next, place it in a container of warm milk, saline, or the victim’s own saliva, and keep it in the solution until you arrive at the emergency room or dentist’s office.

For a fractured tooth, it is best to rinse with warm water, and apply a cold pack or compress. Ibuprofen may be used to help keep down swelling. If the tooth fracture is minor, the tooth can be sanded or, if necessary, restored by the dentist if the pulp is not severely damaged.

If a child’s primary tooth has been loosened by an injury or an emerging permanent tooth, try getting the child to gently bite down on an apple or piece of caramel; in some cases, the tooth will easily separate from the gum.

Learn More

If your toothache persists, becomes more painful, or is the result of accident or injury, our Grand Rapids, MI, toothache dentists are here to help. Call Contemporary Family Dental at (616) 209-3969, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.