There is no shortage of misconceptions and interesting tidbits out there about our teeth. Our myth-bustin’ Apple Valley dentists have responded to old wives’ tales, sayings, or commonly held beliefs about teeth and oral health and we’re here to let you know which are “Tooth Truths” and which are “Mouth Myths.”
Okay, now to get down to business. Mouth myth-bustin’ that is…
Can You Cure a Toothache by Putting Aspirin on It?
Our Apple Valley dentists agree that this is a MOUTH MYTH. You cannot cure a toothache by putting an aspirin on it!
Not only is this a mouth myth; it’s a harmful practice. Holding an aspirin against a tooth long enough can damage your gums and other soft tissues inside your mouth.
Aspirin is an acid—acetylsalicylic acid to be exact. Like most acids, it will damage your tissues if you maintain contact with it. Think of soaking your unprotected hands in any kind of acidic compound – it will cause an irritation or even a severe burn. Holding an aspirin against the inside of your mouth can burn your gums and cheek tissue, resulting in potentially excruciating pain.
Where Does This Idea Originate?
This old wives’ tale could come from the idea that since aspirin is a painkiller it can kill the pain of a toothache. Consuming an aspirin will temporarily relieve a toothache, but the relief will not cure a toothache. And again, placing an aspiring on the tooth won’t help you feel better.
So, the question remains: what is an effective toothache remedy?
How to Stop a Toothache
For immediate and temporary pain relief for teeth, floss and rinse with warm water. This will remove any food particles that may be further irritating the tooth.
You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Advil or Ibuprofen. Always consult your doctor before starting these medications and follow proper dosage instructions.
The Root of the Cause
The only effective, lasting toothache remedy is to treat the underlying cause. Most toothaches result from gum disease, fractures, or cavities and need to be treated by a professional. Whether or not treatment can wait until your next routine appointment depends on the severity of your pain.
If your pain is unbearable or accompanied by a fever or earache, call Dakota Dental for an immediate appointment. Our team of Apple Valley dentists will professionally and gently perform the dental services needed to relieve your toothache pain completely.
The Benefits of Preventative Care
Preventative dental care is always the best choice to avoid the pain of a toothache in the first place. That means sticking to your daily oral hygiene routine and scheduling regular appointments.
Our dentists are supportive, sensitive, and caring to patients who struggle with:
– Fear of going to the dentist
– Fear of needles and shots
– Concern that it’s been too long since their last appointment
– A sensitive gag reflex
– Self-consciousness about the condition of their teeth
– Feeling that it’s too late for dental services (trust us, it’s not!)
In Pain? Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment
We know that odontophobia – fear of the dentist – is a real roadblock for some people. That’s why the caring folks at Dakota Dental assure you that you can receive the dental procedures needed with extremely comfortable low anxiety dentistry – and that’s definitely a “Tooth Truth!”
If you’re looking for tooth pain relief, schedule your next appointment today! We look forward to helping you feel comfortable again.