Suffering from severe dental pain with no access to the dentist? We have practical solutions for you! Toothaches can result from a dental emergency, which needs to be addressed professionally right away. However, it may strike in the middle of the night or on the weekends when you can’t conveniently visit your dentist. The good news is there are several home remedies and ways of managing dental pain you can try. This is what this blog is all about. Please keep reading to learn tips and tricks to handle your emergency situation.
The Best Ways to Manage Your Toothache at Home
There are various factors leading to toothache and other discomforts. Knowing these reasons helps you better manage it and solve the issue. However, all you need now is a quick way of relieving your pain. Here are some simple solutions using the things you may have at home to temporarily stop your dental pain.
1. Rinse Your Mouth with Salt Water
If you mix salt with warm water and swish it in your mouth, you may help relieve your dental pain. Salt water cleans your mouth by removing particles and reducing the swelling. This can temporarily reduce the pain.
2. Apply a Cold Compress on Your Cheek
A cold compress can help numb the area and reduce swelling. It also contracts the blood vessels and prevents blood from rushing to the area. Wrap some ice in a cloth and place it on the outside of your cheek.
3. Take Painkillers
Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help stop dental pain. You may get tempted to use a higher dosage to stop the pain as soon as possible. However, you should remember that following the dosage instructions on the package is best for your health. If you are not sure which painkiller or dosage is suitable for you, consult a pharmacist or dentist.
4. Prepare Natural Remedies
There are various neutral remedies with anti-inflammation properties that can relieve your dental pain. Colive, garlic, onion, and many other ingredients can be effective in reducing the discomfort caused by your toothache. Here’s how to use each one.
- Clove oil: Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball and gently place it on the sore area. Be careful not to use too much, as it can irritate the gums.
- Onion: Cut a small piece of onion and place it on the affected tooth. You can also chew it.
- Peppermint tea bags: Peppermint has a cooling effect and can be effective in numbing pain temporarily. Brew a peppermint tea bag and let it cool down. Once it’s slightly warm or cold, place it on the affected tooth for a few minutes.
- Garlic: Crush a fresh garlic clove to release its juice, then apply the crushed garlic directly to the affected tooth. You can also chew on a raw garlic clove if you can handle the taste.
- Vanilla extract: Dab a small amount of vanilla extract onto a cotton ball or your finger and apply it directly to the painful tooth.
What Causes Dental Pain?
If you’re curious about what may lead to dental pain, we can help you understand the reasons. However, you may not fully detect the underlying reason, as it’s a professional job done by dentists. However, you can make guests and explain the situation better for your dentist. Your toothache may result from:
- Cavities caused by bacteria in the enamel, known as tooth decay.
- Gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis that cause swollen, bleeding gums and pain.
- When you feel severe tooth sensitivity because of enamel wear.
- Breaks or cracks in a tooth that expose the inner layers.
- Wisdom teeth that don’t fully emerge or grow at an angle.
- Grinding or clenching teeth which can wear down enamel and cause tooth and jaw pain.
- When fillings or crowns become loose or damaged.
- Injuries to the teeth or gums from accidents.
We Can Help with Your Emergency Dental Pain
At Woodbridge Smile Centre, we are always available to take your pain and dental issues away! We offer the best emergency dental care to help you get back to your normal routine soon.
Does My Toothache Need Emergency Dental Care?
If your dental pain needs immediate treatment, you shouldn’t wait and use temporary ways to reduce the pain. Instead, you need to visit a dentist as soon as possible. To determine if your toothache needs emergency dental care, ask yourself the following questions.
1- Is the pain severe or unbearable?
If your toothache persists and doesn’t seem to reduce with the suggested ways, it can be a serious problem.
2- Do you have swelling or fever?
An infection in your gums causes swelling or fever besides a toothache. Infections should never be left untreated.
3- Is there visible damage or bleeding?
If your tooth is cracked or broken, or you’ve lost a filling or crown, this can lead to continuous bleeding from your gums.
4- Do you notice any signs of an abscess?
A pimple-like bump on the gums, a bad taste in the mouth, pus, or severe throbbing pain are all signs of abscess and should not be ignored.
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, don’t hesitate to get help from an emergency dentist.
What Should I Have with Myself When Visiting an Emergency Dentist?
Remember to bring essential documents like a valid ID and your dental insurance information. This can make the check-in process easier and quicker. It’s also important to have a list of any medications you are taking, along with details about your medical history and any allergies. Be prepared to describe your dental problem, including when the pain started and its severity. Furthermore, if you have a broken tooth or lost filling, bring any pieces with you to assist with the repair. Additional things you may need while waiting for your visit are a book or your phone to help pass the time, as well as an ice pack or a pain reliever.
Final Word
Dental pain can be tough, but with the tips and solutions you learned in this blog, you can successfully manage it. Follow each solution carefully and wait until you can see a dentist. Please keep in mind that if you notice any signs of a dental emergency, do not delay getting dental care.
If you’re in pain and need quick, caring help, please contact us at Woodbridge Smile Centre. Our experienced team is here to provide you with the best emergency dental care and bring back your oral health!
FAQs
What are the risks of delaying dental pain treatment?
A mild toothache can quickly turn into a severe infection or abscess, which may spread to other parts of your body if left untreated. Also it can also affect your ability to eat, sleep, and focus on daily activities. In some cases, delaying treatment can result in permanent damage to the tooth or surrounding teeth.
What foods will intensify my toothache?
Hot or cold drinks, like coffee or ice water, can cause sharp pain if you have a cavity or exposed nerve. Also, sugary foods, like candies or soda, can feed bacteria in your mouth, worsening decay and pain. Moreover, try to stay away from acidic foods, like citrus fruits or tomatoes, as they can irritate sensitive areas and make the pain more intense.
Why won’t painkillers work on my toothache?
Over-the-counter painkillers can help reduce pain and inflammation, but they may not be effective if there is an abscess or deep decay affecting the nerves. In this situation, you need urgent help.
Does brushing my teeth help toothache?
It doesn’t directly lead to reducing the pain and only works by keeping your mouth clean and removing food particles and bacteria. It’s important to gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use fluoride toothpaste.
