Toothache pain varies in severity. You might feel a slight ache now and again, or you might experience sudden, excruciating pain that leaves you unable to think of anything else. No matter what kind of tooth pain you have, it’s always important to know how to handle it. After all, a toothache is always a sign that something is wrong. Here is what you should do the next time you experience it.
Book a Dental Appointment
You can’t expect to treat the toothache from home. While there are helpful remedies to help alleviate the pain, to make sure the pain doesn’t return, you must see a dental professional. They will be able to get to the root cause, whether that is tooth decay, infected gums, or an abscessed tooth. From there, they can treat the problem.
Not visiting a dentist will only make the problem worse in the future, so book an appointment as soon as possible. If you don’t have a current dentist or are looking to switch, McCrae Dental Surgery has emergency care options for those experiencing toothache and other dental problems.
Take Pain Medication
There are ways to help the pain from home while waiting for your dentist appointment. You can get over-the-counter pain medication to help. Just make sure you read the leaflet so that you know it’s safe for you to take. It would be best if you also informed your dentist about any pain-relievers you’ve had once you attend your appointment.
Some people swear by herbal remedies, such as peppermint, cloves, and yarrow. If you have these at hand, it doesn’t hurt to try them.
Use a Cold Compress
Another way to help alleviate the pain is to apply a cold compress. Put it on your cheek in the area your tooth hurts, and you should start to feel the pain reduce before long. Keep it there for as long as you need to.
Rinse with Salt Water
Warm salt water acts as a disinfectant inside your mouth, which will reduce inflammation and help the pain. Gargle with salt water a couple of times a day, and you may see an improvement. Just make sure you don’t swallow any.
Improve Your Oral Hygiene Routine
While improving your oral hygiene routine won’t help your toothache imminently, it is crucial to prevent toothache from happening again in the future. After all, a toothache is often caused by problems that can be prevented.
To maintain optimal teeth and mouth health, you should:
- Brush two to three times a day
- Floss daily
- Use a fluoride toothpaste
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks
- Stop smoking
- Visit a dentist twice per year
Talk to your dentist if you need any more advice about how to prevent toothache in the future. They might recommend a certain toothpaste, for example. Some people with sensitive teeth need to use sensitive toothpaste.
Toothache is never an enjoyable experience. The good news is, you don’t have to sit and suffer. Follow this advice the next time you feel pain in your mouth, and you won’t have to suffer with it for too long.
