FALSE: Aspirin is salicylic acid (sal-uh-sill-ick ah-sid) with acid being the key word.
As the aspirin dissolves, the acid ends up on your cheek, gums, tongue and other soft tissue and creates a burn. Sometimes the burn is a white area and sometimes it is an ulcer. Now, you not only have a sore tooth, but a painful burn as well. (Soft tissue injuries in the mouth take about 2 weeks to fully heal.)
An acidic environment is not good for your teeth. Acids are what breaks down your tooth structure to form cavities. Now, your tooth that is having the toothache already has a severe cavity that has penetrated to the tooth’s nerve, but what about other teeth in your mouth? The acid can affect these teeth too as the aspirin dissolves and lead to more cavities.
In short, putting an aspirin on your tooth for a toothache is about as effective as taping one to your forehead when you have a headache and it could lead to additional damage to your mouth. If you have a toothache, seek professional help to determine why you have a toothache and what treatment options you have.
Note: Information in this article is not intended to replace the clinical judgment of your healthcare providers.
Dr. Jennifer Robb is taking new patients and would be glad to evaluate your tooth if you are having a toothache. Please call 440-960-1940 to reserve an appointment time at her office 1612 Cooper Foster Park Rd., Lorain, OH. Find us on the web at www.drjrobb.com or www.facebook.com/DrJenniferRobb