A toothache is one of those pains that’s impossible to ignore. It keeps you up at night, makes eating miserable, and has a way of showing up at the worst possible time. Here’s what’s likely going on, what you can do right now, and when it’s time to pick up the phone.
What’s usually behind a toothache
Most toothaches happen when the nerve inside or around a tooth gets irritated. Common culprits include a cavity that’s reached the deeper layers of the tooth, a cracked or chipped tooth, an old filling that’s failed, gum infection, grinding or clenching (especially overnight), or a wisdom tooth making its presence known.
Sometimes it’s simpler, like a popcorn husk wedged under the gumline. But pain that lingers more than a day or two usually means something needs attention.
What you can do tonight
- Rinse gently with warm salt water to soothe the area and clear out debris.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the package.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Skip the heat, which can make swelling worse.
- Floss gently around the sore tooth in case something is stuck.
These will buy you comfort, but they won’t fix the cause. A toothache that fades and comes back is still a toothache.
When it’s time to call us right away
Call promptly if the pain is severe or has lasted more than a couple of days. Call immediately if you notice swelling in your face or jaw, a fever, a bad taste that won’t go away, or pain spreading toward your ear or neck. Those can be signs of infection, and infections don’t wait politely.
We keep room in our schedule for dental emergencies and will always do our best to see you quickly, so you’re not stuck driving to Grande Prairie in pain.
Frequently asked questions
Will a toothache go away on its own?
Occasionally, if it’s minor irritation. But if decay or infection is the cause, the pain may ease temporarily while the problem keeps growing. When in doubt, get it checked. Worst case, we tell you everything’s fine.
I’m nervous about the dentist. What if I’ve been putting this off?
You are far from alone, and you won’t get a lecture here. We have sedation options for anxious patients and a team that genuinely gets it. The hardest part is the phone call, and you can text us instead if that’s easier.
What will treatment involve?
It depends on the cause. It might be as simple as a filling, or it might need a root canal or extraction. Either way, we’ll explain your options clearly, handle it comfortably, and keep as much of the work as possible right here in our office.
Don’t tough it out
Tooth pain is your body asking for help. Call or text (780) 500-1001 and we’ll get you looked after, right here in Beaverlodge, in the heart of the Peace Country.
