A toothache can be one of the most uncomfortable and excruciatingly painful experiences of your life. It may come and go or remain constant, usually getting worse during nighttime. Toothache can turn from mild to severe within hours if not given quick attention.
However, it is vital to determine the cause of your painful tooth in order to resolve it after you get emergency toothache relief.
Home Remedies for Emergency Toothache Relief
All the home remedies or emergency treatments done at home provide only temporary relief; You must seek the care of a dental health provider to treat the underlying condition properly.
Hot & cold compress
Use cold or hot compress in case of swelling by wrapping an ice pack in a towel or microwaving a heat pack for one minute and apply to the site of pain. This can be done multiple times during the day.
OTC pain medications
There is a wide range of over-the-counter pain medications and mild pain relievers available to treat dental pain and inflammation, e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin, paracetamol and naproxen sodium. The safest among these options is paracetamol for children under 16 years. It is recommended to consult your local drugstore for the correct dosage.
Warm salt water rinse
Salt is a natural antiseptic and can flush the material stacked between the affected teeth to reduce swelling. ½ a teaspoon of salt mixed in one glass of warm water can be used to rinse the mouth thoroughly.
Garlic
Toothaches respond well to herbal treatments, and garlic is among the best natural remedies with anti-inflammatory properties. Crush garlic to make a paste. Apply that with a cotton bud over the painful area at least three times a day.
Clove Oil
As a natural analgesic, cloves numb the area and reduce pain. Keep a clove between the teeth that are painful and apply some pressure. You can find clove oil at a local drugstore, just add a few drops in a container and apply using a cotton bud for temporary pain relief.
Common causes of sudden tooth pain
There can be many underlying issues that can manifest themselves in the form of terrible tooth pain. Some of them are shared below.
- Dental damage for a long period of time.
- An abscessed or infectious tooth with bacterial infection spread inside the base.
- A half-broken or damaged tooth.
- A physical injury to the mouth or jaw.
- Excessively chewing gums, and grinding and clenching of teeth which damages the blood vessels.
- Infection that has spread to gums or multiple teeth.
- The eruption of a wisdom tooth, or an ingrown wisdom tooth.
- Gum disease that is left untreated.
How to prevent emergency toothache before it starts
Toothache can be easily avoided by following a few dental rituals regularly. The first rule of dental health is brushing your teeth at least twice a day, along with flossing before going to bed, to stop dental decay. Different kinds of food also cause tooth decay, such as carbonated drinks, high glucose energy drinks and food that sticks to your teeth, like soft milk candies etc. Use a toothpick if any food residue gets stuck in your teeth, using any other sharp object can cause damage. It is also a common problem to have a fractured tooth in case of chewing on ice cubes and hard items.
The most important thing is to ensure regular check-ups at your local dentist to treat minor dental problems before they become an expensive dental emergency.
When should you see a dentist for emergency toothache relief?
Toothache itself isn’t fatal, but if you have a toothache that persists for more than a week with fever, facial swelling, earache, and pain while chewing or opening your mouth, then visit your dentist immediately to prevent the possible infection from spreading into ear, sinuses and even skull.
Tooth pain is often unbearable, but it isn’t permanent as long as it is professionally treated. Book an appointment with Maroondah Dental Care or call us at (03) 9007 2532 to see your dentist in case of recurring toothaches.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
10 Home Remedies for Toothaches – Forbes Health
https://www.forbes.com/health/body/tooth-pain-remedies/#:~:text=Over%2Dthe%2DCounter%20Pain%20Medication,prescription%20opioids%20for%20tooth%20pain
Healthline – Emergency Toothache Relief: Home Remedies, OTC Remedies
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/emergency-toothache-relief