Toothaches: the Aspirin Myth

Do you have a toothache, but aren’t able to make an appointment with your Lynnwood dental clinic quickly enough for your liking? It can be agony to have to live with a throbbing tooth for even a few days, and most people look for ways to dull the pain. A common belief is that placing an aspirin next to the tooth will make the ache go away. This is unfortunate, as you can only make the problem worse with such a practice.

Your tooth isn’t benefiting from the anti-inflammatory attributes of an aspirin for as long as it’s in your mouth. Quite the contrary, the acidic nature of aspirin is working to weaken your gums and enamel, effectively acting just like the bacteria that are eating away at your mouth. Only when you swallow the aspirin can you hope to get some relief from your pain.

Should you or a family member have a toothache, remember to never give aspirin to children. Consult your doctor for appropriate painkillers, and contact Song’s Lynnwood dental center to get to the root of your tooth problems as soon as possible.