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Toothache can
be a warning of an abscessed tooth (a tooth with a pocket
of pus in the tissues next to it). Take pain medication and
call your dentist. Don’t put aspirin directly on teeth or gums
because aspirin promotes bleeding.
Teething pain can be eased with cold objects such as
teething rings. Over the counter teething ointments also provide
some relief. A great alternative is a new, clean soft
terrycloth. Cut and roll like baby-sized tootsie-roll (1/4”
diameter). Dampen in water and freeze. Allow child to teethe
(with adult supervision).
Wisdom tooth pain – Take pain medication, rinse the area
with cold saltwater and call your dentist.
Pain after root
canal - While there is typically some discomfort after a
root canal procedure, if the pain persists, call the dentist as
soon as possible because severe, prolonged pain may be an
indication of infection or other problem which requires the care
of a dentist.
Chipped baby tooth – If there is pain, give the child an
over the counter pain medicine. If there is swelling, apply cold
packs to the area. Call your dentist.
Broken denture or partial – Do not attempt to repair the
appliance yourself as this typically makes the break worse. Take
all broken pieces to your dentist.
Knocked out tooth – If you have the tooth, rinse it
gently with milk, and if not too painful, try to insert it back
into the tooth socket. If you have the tooth and it is too
painful to put it into the tooth socket, rinse the tooth gently
and place it in your mouth or in a glass of milk. In either
case, it is important to go to your dentist immediately.
Broken decayed
teeth - Take pain medication, rinse the area with cold
saltwater and call your dentist.
Cracked tooth or filling - If you are experiencing pain,
take medication. Call your dentist as soon as possible to
schedule a repair.
Crooked teeth
- If you are experiencing pain, take medication. Call your
dentist as soon as possible to schedule a repair.
Otherwise, schedule a dental visit and discuss whether cosmetic
treatment or orthodontic treatment is indicated.
Loose crown or crown that has come out– Do not try to
repair this yourself as this could cause pain and damage to the
tooth and gums. Immediately see a dentist. Place the crown in a
ziplock bag and put it in a box to bring with you to the
dentist.
Metal taste in
mouth - This may be the first indication that your gums are
bleeding. See below.
Bleeding gums may be an early warning of gum disease.
Brush and floss thoroughly and rinse with warm salt water and
call your dentist.
Canker sores typically heal on their own with ten days.
Consult your dentist for proper diagnosis and relief of
symptoms.
Gum boil - If painful, take medication. Rinse the area
four times a day with cool salt water. A gum boil is a sign of
an abscess (infection) and will not go away on its own. Call
your dentist to schedule an appointment.
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