Will Brushing My Teeth Make My Toothache Worse
If you have a toothache, you may be wondering if brushing your teeth will make it worse. The answer is, it depends on the cause of your toothache. In some cases, brushing your teeth can actually help relieve the pain, while in other cases, it may make it worse.
Common Causes of Toothaches
Before we discuss how brushing your teeth can affect a toothache, let's first take a look at some common causes of toothaches:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Exposed tooth roots
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
If you are experiencing a toothache, it's important to see a dentist to determine the underlying cause of the pain.
How Brushing Can Help
If your toothache is caused by tooth decay or gum disease, brushing your teeth can actually help relieve the pain. This is because brushing helps remove the bacteria that are causing the infection. However, it's important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle when brushing around the affected area to avoid causing further irritation.
How Brushing Can Make It Worse
If your toothache is caused by a cracked or chipped tooth, brushing your teeth may make the pain worse. This is because the bristles of the toothbrush can irritate the already sensitive area. In this case, it's best to see a dentist to have the tooth repaired.
Similarly, if your toothache is caused by an exposed tooth root, brushing your teeth may cause further irritation and pain. In this case, your dentist may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste or other treatment to help relieve the pain.
Other Toothache Relief Strategies
In addition to brushing your teeth, there are a number of other strategies you can use to help relieve toothache pain:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area
- Take over-the-counter pain medication
- Avoid eating or drinking anything that is too hot or cold
If your toothache persists for more than a day or two, it's important to see a dentist to determine the underlying cause of the pain and receive appropriate treatment.