Best Ways To Care For a Toothache

Toothaches can result from a cavity, a cracked tooth, the early stages of tooth decay or an issue with a filling. An overarching problem like an exposed nerve can also prompt tooth pain. In other cases, the cause of this wretched pain is a bit of food stuck between the teeth and gums. If you have a toothache, proceed carefully. The manner in which you treat this oral health problem will determine how you feel in the coming minutes, hours and days.

The First Step is to Contact the Dentist

Do not assume you can remedy tooth pain on your own. Your first action should be contacting the dentist for emergency treatment. However, you might not be able to see the dentist right away due to the timing of the toothache, your location, the dentist's schedule or other factors. Follow the steps outlined below to mitigate the pain until you can be seen by the dentist.

Apply Ice

Ice is necessary to relieve inflammation caused by a toothache. Press the ice against the cheek to numb the painful area. It will also help to massage the gum by the affected tooth. Chill your finger by pressing it against the ice prior to massaging the gum. Cool skin will soothe the pain. Ice will prove quite helpful as long as the tooth pain does not stem from nerve issues.

Rinse Out Your Mouth

Rinse with salt water at room temperature to eliminate the bacteria lingering in your mouth. This bacteria has the potential to amplify the toothache. Swish the water around as long as necessary to reduce pain and clean the impacted area. You can also rinse with hydrogen peroxide to destroy bacteria hanging out in your mouth. Give hydrogen peroxide a chance and you will find it provides pain relief as well.

Do Not Live With This Pain

You might be tempted to do nothing until you can see the dentist. Such inaction is a major mistake. You should not have to “grin and bear it” through the pain. Do not hesitate to take an over-the-counter painkiller if you find it reduces the pain. However, you should not put any type of painkiller on the gum or tooth as it will cause significant irritation.

Apply a Specialized Paste or an Alternative Solution

Plenty of people who have endured toothaches have found relief from applying a paste to the impacted area. A paste made of salt, pepper, and water will numb the pain. Press a bit of the paste onto the tooth and you will likely feel better in a few moments.

Others have found placing a portion of a garlic clove in the mouth helps. You can even crush up the garlic clove and apply it to the toothache in the form of a paste. Applying a piece of sugarless gum over the affected tooth also has the potential to reduce pain.

Obtain Professional Treatment

The pain relief methods outlined above are temporary. Your toothache will eventually have to be addressed by a professional dentist. Only a dentist knows how to properly treat the root cause of this pain. So do not cancel your appointment with the dentist if the pain relief methods outlined above minimize your suffering. An appointment with the dentist is necessary to address the underlying problem that caused the toothache in the first place.

For more information call Visalia Care Dental at (559) 975-1213.