Having a toothache can be quite debilitating. It can make it difficult to make it through the day and to get enough sleep at night. Though a toothache may warrant a visit to your emergency dentist, not all dental emergencies will cause facial pain. Continue reading to learn about some of the potential causes of facial pain as well as what your dentist can do to help.

10 Potential Causes of Facial Pain

Facial pain can be caused by several things and can vary greatly in location, intensity, and duration. Though it will sometimes go away on its own, facial pain may sometimes lead to chronic discomfort and will require treatment. A few things that can cause facial pain include:

• Dry sockets
• Nerve damage
• Sinus infections
• Traumatic facial injury
• Headaches or migraines
• Infections, like abscesses
• Underlying medical conditions
• Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)
• Oral health problems, like cavities or gum disease
• Jaw clenching and teeth grinding, which is called bruxism

How Your Dentist Can Help

If you’re experiencing facial pain, be sure to visit your dentist. They will be able to quickly diagnose the cause of your discomfort as well as recommend medications or behaviors to help with the pain. Dental abscesses, advanced gum disease, and other serious oral health problems may require treatments like periodontal therapy or a root canal.

Additionally, a dental crown or filling may be needed to repair teeth that have been severely damaged or decayed. If you have TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) or bruxism, you may need a dental mouthguard to create a buffer between your bottom and top teeth.

4 Home Remedies for Facial Pain

There are many at-home treatments that may help with mild facial pain. The effectiveness of these self-care treatments will depend on the cause, but some things you can try include:

• A cold compress – Wrap an ice pack in a towel. Apply it to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes several times daily.
• Take OTC medication – Medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can be taken as instructed on the bottle to relieve pain.
• Keep your head elevated – This will promote mucus and fluid drainage, which can relieve discomfort from sinusitis.
• Gargle with salt water – Add ½ a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and gargle with this mixture a few times per day to relieve dental pain and lessen inflammation.

About the Practice

Portland and the surrounding communities have Advanced Dental Arts NW to thank for their gorgeous grins. This team of exceptional oral health professionals offers patients a variety of treatment options, such as emergency dental treatment for when unexpected oral health issues arise. Are you ready to set up an appointment or do you want more information about Advanced Dental Arts NW’s emergency dental services? If so, visit their website or call their office at (503) 966-2528.