National Toothache Day

Did you know that 9 February is National Toothache Day? Ouch! Here at Crendon Dental Centre we know that nobody enjoys toothache and we really hate to see any of our patients in pain, so we will always do our very best to help find you an emergency appointment if it happens to you.

We would like to remind all of our patients that we are open so if you do experience a dental emergency please get in touch. Toothache or pain from wisdom teeth can be miserable; there’s no need to suffer, we are here for you.

Managing toothache

The first thing to do is to manage your pain at home prior to your emergency appointment, here are a few of our top tips…

• Use over the counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, to manage the pain. Always read the dosage advice on the packet

• Keep the area clean. It may feel painful to do so, but thorough cleaning around the tooth is essential. This will help to remove bacteria, which is often the source of dental problems and pain. Using a daily mouthwash, such as Corsodyl or Curasept can also help to keep the area clean. Don’t try to avoid the area entirely as this could make things worse

• Try to avoid hot drinks and ice creams as temperature changes may make your pain worse

• If you are experiencing hot, throbbing pain, and ice pack on the outside of your cheek can alleviate this.

What causes toothache?

Toothache is caused by tooth decay. If plaque is allowed to build up it can attack the protective enamel layer of the teeth and create a cavity. If left untreated, bacteria can enter the cavity, reaching the layers of tooth below causing inflammation and swelling. This is when you might experience tooth pain or tooth ache.

It is important to practice good oral health at all times, which includes brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, flossing once a day, and attending your dental check-ups and hygiene appointments as often as recommended by your dental team.

Even though the UK is currently in a national lockdown, dental practices are allowed to remain open. We have strict protocols in place to protect our patients and staff, so you can rest assured that it is safe to attend your routine and emergency dental appointments. If you would like to book an appointment please call us on 01494 528 153.