You’re not alone if you have a toothache. A toothache is one of the most common dental problems and is often caused by decay or an impacted wisdom tooth. It can be very painful, causing people to lose sleep and even miss work or school. If you are experiencing a toothache, these tips will help you to ease the pain.
Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
Saltwater can help to ease the pain of a toothache. Salt is a known natural antibacterial and can help to kill the bacteria that may be causing the infection. To make the saltwater, mix one teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth with the saltwater for two to three minutes. Do this several times throughout the day.
When you rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, it helps to clean the area around the tooth and reduce inflammation. It can also help to loosen any food particles or bacteria that may be causing the problem. Make sure you don’t swallow the saltwater, as it can cause nausea and vomiting.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
A cold compress can help to reduce the inflammation and swelling around the tooth. It can also help to numb the pain. To make a cold compress, wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and place them on the cheek near the affected tooth. Hold the cold compress in place for five to ten minutes. Repeat as needed.
Take note that this is only a temporary measure and should not be used in place of seeing a dentist. If the toothache is severe, you may need to see a dentist have the problem treated.
Use over-the-counter pain relief medications.
If the pain is severe, you can take over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can help to reduce the inflammation and pain. Follow the directions on the label for the appropriate dose. Be careful not to take more than the recommended dose, as this can be dangerous.
Use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be causing the pain.
If you have a toothache, one of the first things you can do is to remove any food particles that may be causing the pain. Use dental floss to clean between your teeth. Flossing can help to remove plaque and bacteria that may have built up around the tooth. It can also help to remove any food particles that may be causing the pain.
If you are unable to floss your teeth, you can use a Waterpik to clean between them. A Waterpik is a handheld device that shoots out a stream of water to help clean between the teeth.
Try over-the-counter dental products, such as toothache drops or numbing gels.
There are a few over-the-counter dental products that can help to ease the pain of a toothache. One such product is toothache drops. Toothache drops can help to reduce the pain and inflammation in the mouth. They can also help to numb the area around the tooth. It’s not advisable for kids to use toothache drops, as they may contain alcohol and can be harmful if swallowed.
Another product that can help is numbing gel. Numbing gel contains a topical anesthetic that can help to numb the pain in the mouth. It is applied directly to the gums and left in place for a few minutes. Be careful not to swallow any of the numbing gel as it can be harmful.
See a dentist.
If the toothache is severe and does not go away with over-the-counter medications or home remedies, you should see a dentist. A dentist can examine the tooth and determine the cause of the problem. He or she may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help treat the toothache. A toothache may be caused by decay, an infection, or even a wisdom tooth. It is important to have the problem treated as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the tooth. Make sure you book an appointment at your dental clinic and see your dentist at least every six months for a check-up.
Final thoughts
If you experience a toothache, the best thing to do is see a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are some over-the-counter remedies that can provide relief and help with temporary pain relief. Toothache drops or numbing gels may be helpful in relieving the pain while waiting to see a dentist. If your toothache is severe, you may need to take over-the-counter pain relief medications. Be careful not to take more than the recommended dose. Lastly, a cold compress can help to reduce swelling and inflammation around the tooth. Remember that these remedies are only temporary and that the best thing to do is to see a dentist.