The obvious answer to how to get rid of toothache is to visit your dentist as soon as possible. If you are experiencing intense throbbing tooth pain that can’t be relieved with pain relief medication, consider it a dental emergency and call your dentist to request a same-day appointment.
Most dentists leave time in their daily schedules for patients with a dental emergency. But if you can’t get to see your dentist until later in the day, you may have to endure some discomfort. The home remedies listed below should offer toothache relief while you wait for your appointment.
What to do for a toothache?
While your primary concern is how to get rid of a toothache as quickly as you can, you need to consider what’s causing the pain. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it’s clear that something isn’t right and you have a problem that needs addressing as soon as possible.
Several serious reasons can cause tooth pain, including a fracture, decay, a damaged filling, infected gums or a dental abscess.
Whatever the cause of your toothache, it’s vital to visit your dentist for an evaluation. However, if you suspect your tooth pain results from a cavity or fracture, you can implement the following home remedies while you wait to see your dentist.
Home remedies for toothache relief
Are you desperate for temporary toothache relief? Provided your toothache isn’t the result of a severe underlying issue or you’re waiting to go to your dental appointment, over-the-counter painkillers, cold compresses, and other home remedies will provide toothache relief.
Generally speaking, there are two ways to stop or numb tooth pain. The first involves interrupting the pain signals your brain sends to your body, and the other is reducing inflammation.
Take an anti-inflammatory
Over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen will ease the pain and help the inflammation subside. Take the tablets every few hours as advised on the packet, but don’t stop taking them during the waiting period, or the pain will likely return.
Apply a cold compress
You can also reduce inflammation by applying a cold compress or bag of frozen vegetables to the side of your cheek for twenty-minute sessions. Cover it with a clean cloth to prevent damaging the skin.
Use a saltwater rinse
In addition to painkillers and cold compresses, there are a few natural ways to relieve tooth pain. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water helps fight bacteria and cleans and soothes the mouth, offering temporary pain relief. You can rinse your mouth with salt water as often as you like but be careful not to swallow it.
Use clove oil
Clove oil has been used throughout history to numb dental pain and reduce inflammation. Apply a small amount of clove oil to cotton wool for toothache relief and dab it on the affected tooth.
How to get rid of toothache fast?
Sometimes home remedies and over-the-counter medication aren’t enough to relieve toothache. When you can’t alleviate tooth pain, visit a dental professional.
When dental pain is unbearable, it warrants a dental emergency. However, if you can manage the discomfort for a few days, schedule a regular appointment with your dentist before the issue escalates into something more serious and costly.
How to stop a toothache before it starts?
The best way of dealing with a toothache is prevention. You can help prevent oral health issues with regular brushing and flossing, supplemented by six monthly dental check-ups. You should also eat a healthy diet and lower the consumption of sugary foods or drinks. If you’re suffering from toothache or overdue a dental check-up, why not schedule an appointment with the friendly dentists at My Local Dentists West Ryde? Call us on (02) 9809 7000 today.
References
Still Point Health: EmergencyToothache Relief – 6 Remedies to Relieve Tooth Pain
https://stillpointhealth.net/emergency-toothache-relief/
Healthline: Everything You Need To Know About Using a Cold Compress
https://www.healthline.com/health/make-cold-compress