If you have ever experienced a toothache, it is highly likely that you understand how uncomfortable they can be. These toothaches rarely occur at the most convenient moment, which can make it take much longer to obtain a dental visit. Understanding how to help a toothache can help to tide you over until you can see your dentist. Here are a few strategies to help a toothache when it occurs, and you aren’t able to see your dentist immediately.
Actions to Avoid
When you are suffering from a toothache, there are several actions that you can avoid in order to reduce your overall discomfort. For example, you should ensure that you avoid chewing on the side where the toothache is present. This can prevent the pressure from causing additional bouts of pain. You should also generally avoid consuming beverages with particularly extreme temperatures one way or the other. Cold or hot beverages or foods can trigger sensitivity in your tooth. You should also ensure that you still care for your teeth but you are gentle when you do so. Brushing too vigorously may cause pain.
Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater rinse is a natural method that is frequently recommended to help with pain inside of the mouth. This is commonly recommended to handle the discomfort from canker sores, as well as issues with your teeth. The combination of the heat and the salt from a saltwater rinse can help to relive your pain. This can go a long way toward minimizing discomfort until you are able to visit your dentist.
Over the Counter Pain Relievers
General pain relievers can often help a toothache. This can help to reduce your discomfort and can even minimize inflammation and swelling. There are multiple options for over the counter pain relievers that can help with a toothache. Some products, such as Orajel, are designed specifically to relieve oral pain. Other more general pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help to reduce your discomfort and can even minimize swelling. Consult with your dentist if you are unsure of the pain medications that are safe to use in your particular situation.
See a Dentist
If you are experiencing a toothache, it is highly likely that the issue is caused by an oral health problem. When you implement the appropriate treatment from a dental professional, you will be able to ensure that you are able to have the initial problem resolved, which is generally the most effective way to relieve your pain. Your dentist will also likely be able to provide you with the appropriate guidance regarding pain relief methods until the issue has been resolved.
There are several situations in which you may want to obtain emergency services from your dentist. These services are crucial in protecting your oral and overall health. Pay attention to when you have a fever or notice discharge along with your toothache. You should also be weary when you see swelling or have trouble breathing or swallowing. In addition to this, you should consider scheduling a visit with your dentist if the tooth pain lasts for longer than a few days.
Cold Compress
Cold temperatures can help to reduce swelling and relieve pain. When you apply a cold compress because you have a toothache, you will want to ensure that you apply it to the side of your face where you are experiencing the pain. Never place it directly against the tooth, as this can cause extreme pain and sensitivity. You should also wrap the cold compress in a cloth in order to prevent damage to your skin from contact with the icy fixture.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a natural solution that has numbing properties. These properties can help a toothache and alleviate your discomfort. Peppermint comes in many different forms and varieties, which makes it relatively easy to implement to help a toothache. Using peppermint tea bags, peppermint leaves, and peppermint extract can all help to provide a numbing effect. This can be particularly beneficial when you are dealing with a toothache.
Prevention of Toothaches
The prevention of toothaches can be just as important as knowing how to help a toothache. Due to this, it is critical to ensure that you focus on caring for the health of your teeth. This means that you need to follow the right oral hygiene routine and obtain regular dental visits. These visits can help to ensure that possible issues are found in the early stages, before they are allowed to escalate to more significant degrees. Caring for your teeth can help to prevent toothaches which will in turn prevent your discomfort.
Common Causes of Toothaches
Understanding the various common causes of toothaches often enables you to take the steps to have them resolved when they arise. Without an understanding of the causes of toothaches, you may not obtain the appropriate treatment when it becomes necessary. Toothaches are often caused by teeth that are abscessed, stuck food particles in the teeth or gums, trauma to the jaw, and the presence of gum disease. Cavities can also cause toothaches to occur, especially when the enamel layer leaves the dentin exposed.
It simply isn’t fun to have a toothache. Learning how to help a toothache can go a long way toward eliminating issues and ensuring that you can remain comfortable until you can make it into our office. At Bismarck Advanced Dental Implants, we offer dental specialist services in order to improve your oral health and prevent toothaches from occurring. If you are experiencing a toothache, you should consider scheduling a visit with a dentist in order to identify the underlying issue and having it resolved. To schedule your visit with us, contact our team at Bismarck Advanced Dental Implants today!