Suffering from severe dental pain with no access to the dentist? We have practical solutions for you! Toothaches can result from an urgent dental issue, which needs to be addressed by an emergency dentist 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 that 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
Rinsing with warm salt water can help soothe a toothache. Salt has natural antibacterial properties, which can remove food particles and bacteria that may be causing irritation. It also helps reduce swelling and promotes healing. To make a saltwater rinse, mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Important Note: Salt water can provide only temporary relief, not a complete solution.
2. Apply a Cold Compress to Your Cheek
Using a cold compress or ice pack on the outside of your cheek can help numb the pain and reduce swelling. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, which slows down inflammation and prevents more blood from rushing to the affected area. To use this method, wrap a cold pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and apply it to your cheek for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Repeat every few hours as needed to help control the pain and swelling.
3. Take Painkillers
Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can reduce dental pain. These medications block pain signals in your body and reduce inflammation. Always read the dosage instructions carefully to avoid taking too much. If you’re unsure about which painkiller or dosage to use, it’s a good idea to consult a pharmacist or your dentist to make sure you’re taking the safest and most effective option for your situation.
4. Avoid Hard, Cold, or Sugary Foods
Eating hard, cold, or sugary foods can make dental pain worse. Hard foods can put extra pressure on your tooth, while cold or sugary foods can irritate sensitive areas and cause more discomfort. To avoid worsening the pain, eat only soft, room-temperature foods like soups, yogurt, or mashed potatoes. This will minimize further irritation and give your tooth a chance to rest and heal.
5. Keep Your Head Elevated
When you lie down, blood can rush to your head and cause more pressure around your tooth, leading to throbbing pain. Therefore, it’s best to keep your head elevated by using an extra pillow or sleeping in a reclined position. This can reduce blood flow to the painful area and ease the discomfort. This simple change can make it easier to sleep or rest when you’re dealing with a toothache.
Natural Remedies for Managing Tooth Pain
There are various natural remedies with anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve your dental pain. Clove, 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 temporarily numbing pain. 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.
Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can help numb pain. Its proven antioxidant properties also make it an effective healer. Just be sure to use real vanilla rather than imitation vanilla.
Read more on: Healthline
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 improve 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, in addition to a toothache. Infections should never be left untreated.
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 return to your normal routine soon.
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 an 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 Me When Visiting an Emergency Dentist?
Remember to bring the items listed in the table to ensure a smooth and stress-free treatment.
| Item | Why You Need It |
| Valid ID and dental insurance information | Makes the check-in process easier and quicker. |
| List of any medications and medical history | Important for safe and effective treatment, including noting any allergies. |
| Be prepared to describe your dental problem | Helps the dentist understand your symptoms, when they started, and their severity. |
| Broken tooth or lost filling pieces | Bringing any broken pieces can assist with repair or replacement. |
| Something to pass the time (book or phone) | Keeps you occupied while waiting for your appointment. |
| An ice pack or a pain reliever | Can provide temporary relief from dental pain or swelling. |
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 help you with dental issues. Our team offers top-notch dental services, from tooth extraction to teeth cleaning in Vaughan, and any necessary dental treatments to 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. Additionally, it can impact your ability to eat, sleep, and concentrate 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, such as coffee or ice water, can cause sharp pain if you have a cavity or an exposed nerve. Also, sugary foods, such as 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 an abscess or deep decay is affecting the nerves. In this situation, you need urgent help.
Does brushing my teeth help with a 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.
We’d love to hear from you! What are your go-to ways for managing dental pain until you can see your dentist? Share your tips and stories in the comments below!