Toothaches are uncomfortable and can be quite painful, to say the very least. They vary in severity and can range from a minor tinge to crippling main. Regardless, you should visit a dentist as soon as you realize you have one.
Put simply, toothaches are pain or inflammation in or around the tooth, typically caused by infection or tooth decay. Other causes of toothaches are fractured teeth, damaged fillings, repetitive motions like grinding and clenching, and infected gums. The most common symptoms of a toothache include low-grade pain, sharp, sudden pain, difficult chewing, sleep issues, heat sensitivity, a poor taste in the mouth, and bad breath. A fever and swollen glands are other signs.
Toothaches and Eyesight
Research has discovered that not only can toothaches and other oral issues affect the overall health of your teeth and gums, they might also take a toll on your vision. Some of the vision issues you may face if you don’t care for your teeth include retinitis pigmentosa, cataracts, iritis, and color-vision issues. Fortunately, you can protect your eyesight by treating toothaches and making your oral health a top priority.
How to Find Relief From Toothaches
If you’re unable to see your dentist right away, there are some remedies that may provide you with temporary relief for toothaches. You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water, ideally 5 to 8 times per day. Our friends and Goldsboro, NC dentists at Carlyle Dentistry encourage rinsing one’s mouth with salt water.
Another option is to soak a cotton ball in clove oil and apply it directly on the tooth that’s causing pain. This is a numbing agent which can help you feel better, at least for a short period of time. You can also try over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses like ice packs to temporarily numb the pain, alleviate swelling, and control bleeding if it exists.
Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water, a peppermint tea bag, a clove of garlic, and other other options you can try. Remember that these are simply remedies that may provide short-term relief. You must visit a dentist to get to the bottom of your toothache and find long-term relief.
Oral Hygiene and Eye Care Tips for Healthy Eyes
To achieve and maintain healthy vision, visit a dentist every six months or so for routine exams and cleanings. Also, brush your teeth twice daily and floss once per day. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash and treat gingivitis or gum disease promptly. If you have old mercury fillings, have them replaced with newer materials that are safer and better for your eyes.
In addition, opt for eye exams on a regular basis while maintaining a healthy diet, filled with fruits and veggies. Exercise regularly and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use. If you’re going out in the sun, protect your eyes with sunglasses that block out both UV-A and UV-B rays.
Contact Moore Family Dentistry Today
If you have further questions about toothaches or would like to make an appointment at Moore, don’t hesitate to contact us today. You can reach us at 919.772.1811. We look forward to hearing from you!
