If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is important to take action right away. Tooth pain can be caused by a number of things, such as cavities, gum disease, or even a sinus infection. In this post, we will discuss five steps that you can take to get relief from tooth pain.
1. Take Some Over-the-Counter Medication
If your tooth pain is mild, you can try taking over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
This is only temporary and can reduce the pain but not get rid of the underlying cause of your toothache. If you still have pain after taking this medication, it is a good idea to go see your dentist as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing severe or persistent tooth pain, do not take over-the-counter medications because they may mask serious problems such as an infection or a dental abscess.
2. Watch What You Eat
Some foods can make tooth pain worse, such as hot or cold temperatures. You should avoid foods that are very spicy or sweet if they cause you discomfort.
Acidic and hard foods can also aggravate your toothache. This includes oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. You should also avoid eating anything crunchy or sticky such as pretzels or gummy bears because they will put pressure on the affected area of your mouth.
When you are experiencing pain in a specific part of your mouth like one tooth or even just half of a tooth, you should avoid eating anything on that side of your mouth.
3. Ice the Painful Area
If you are experiencing pain, you can try applying ice to the area. This will help to reduce inflammation and swelling and numb the area temporarily. Make sure that you do not apply the ice for too long or it could cause further irritation.
You should aim for about 15 minutes at a time and repeat as needed. You can also use a cold pack or even a bag of frozen vegetables.
4. Have the Tooth Extracted
If your tooth pain is severe, you may need to have it extracted. This will help relieve the pressure on the area and allow for healing time.
Extraction should only be done by a dentist if absolutely necessary because if done incorrectly, it can lead to other problems such as infection or bleeding which could cause further damage to that part of your mouth. If at all possible, you should try other methods first and only use extraction as a last resort when all else fails.
Extraction procedures can be expensive depending on which tooth is giving the problem, so it is worthwhile to look into your current insurance coverage. Chances are, dental insurance isn’t part of your health plan so do look into plan comparison services like iSelect dental coverage to help reduce the cost.
5. Gargle Salt Water
Gargling salt water is another way to relieve pain and swelling. You should mix about half a teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water. Gargle the mixture slowly, making sure not to swallow it. This will help reduce inflammation in your throat as well as soothe any pain you may be experiencing from toothaches or other conditions.
If you continue to experience pain after trying these methods, it is best to consult with your dentist. They may prescribe stronger medications or recommend other treatments that can help alleviate symptoms and heal the cause of toothaches such as infections or abscesses.
When to See a Dentist
You should see your dentist right away if you experience any of the following:
- Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages, especially sugary ones like ice cream.
- Tooth pain that lasts more than two days without relief from over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
- Severe pain that wakes you up from sleep.
- Swelling in your jaw or face.
- A high fever (over 101 degrees Fahrenheit) lasting more than two days.
- Trouble opening your mouth wide enough to eat or brush your teeth.
These symptoms could be a sign of an infection that requires immediate treatment from a dentist or doctor.
The best way to prevent toothaches is by taking good care of your teeth and gums through regular brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist at least twice per year for checkups and cleanings. You should also avoid eating sugary foods and drinks as much as possible.
If you do experience a toothache, it’s important to see your dentist right away for an evaluation and treatment plan. Prompt attention could save the tooth from needing an extraction or other more invasive procedures down the road.
