dental-emergencies

Tooth Hurts? It Could Be An Infection

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A toothache is more than just a nuisance; it can also be a sign of a serious problem. Depending on the severity and duration of the toothache, you could have a dental infection.

Your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, can diagnose your dental infection and decide on a treatment plan. A dental infection is an emergency requiring immediate care, so it’s important to see your dentist if you suspect you have this problem.

What Is a Tooth Infection?

A tooth becomes infected when openings in the tooth allow bacteria to enter the pulp in the tooth’s center. When this happens, the pulp becomes infected, resulting in pain and discomfort. An infected tooth can also cause swelling, bad breath, and even tooth loss if the infection is allowed to go on for long enough.

What Is the Difference Between an Infection and a Cavity?

A cavity is an area of tooth decay that has eaten through part of the enamel. If it becomes severe enough, it can cause an infection.

What Should I Do If I Get An Infected Tooth?

Most infections can be treated with a root canal. The dentist uses this emergency procedure to remove the infection and save the tooth.

During the root canal treatment, the dentist drills into the tooth enamel to reach the infected pulp. Then, the dentist cleans out the tooth and seals it. Finally, a crown is placed over tooth enamel to help strengthen the enamel and protect it from further cracking and infection.

Do you need a root canal treatment in Beaver Dam, KY, or Owensboro, KY? The dental professionals at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry can help. Call today to make an appointment.

dental-emergencies

I Have a Toothache. Can I Treat It At Home?

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If you have a toothache, it’s important to see the dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. However, while you’re waiting for your appointment to see dentist, there may be some way to get relief for pain at home. Below are a few suggestions that can help with a toothache.

Home Relief for Toothaches

Ice pack. Put an ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies on the outside of your mouth near where you can feel the toothache. Hold the ice there for 20 minutes. Repeat as needed.

Hydrogen peroxide rinse. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Rinse the inside of your mouth, then spit it out. This mixture can help with pain, inflammation and can also help heal bleeding gums. Do not swallow hydrogen peroxide.

Saltwater rinse. Salt water is similar to hydrogen peroxide in that it can reduce inflammation, heal wounds and provide pain relief. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish the water in your mouth, then spit it out.

Why You Should Call a Dentist

While you may be able to alleviate some of the pain of a toothache through home remedies, a toothache can be a serious problem. A toothache can occur because of a cavity or even an infection in your tooth. Ignoring the problem could lead the infection to spread and may even result in the loss of the permanent tooth.

The best way to avoid this problem is by getting dental preventative care in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. If you have a toothache, make an emergency appointment with your dentist to get help and find out if further action is needed. Your dentist may need to conduct a root canal. Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today.

Sources

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/home-remedies-for-toothache#call-your-dentist