Tooth pain, or dental pain, is a pain in the teeth and/or their supporting structures caused by a variety of diseases and/or physical conditions. Toothache is often described as throbbing, sharp, or shooting pain. It can be caused by a tooth problem or an issue with the jaw.
Common toothache causes include tooth decay, a cracked tooth, gum disease, an abscessed tooth, or TMJ. While many home remedies claim to provide toothache relief, it’s essential to see an emergency dentist to determine the underlying cause of the pain.
Is Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency?
When you experience tooth pain, it can be difficult to know whether or not you are dealing with a dental emergency. While it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your dentist, some general guidelines can help you determine whether or not your situation is an emergency.
Apart from tooth pain, other symptoms that indicate a dental emergency include excessive bleeding, swelling, and severe trauma to the mouth.
How to Get Toothache Relief?
One of the best ways to get temporary relief from a toothache is to try some simple home remedies. Some common methods include:
Rinse with a Salt Water Solution
Rinsing your mouth with a mixture of warm water and sea salt reduces inflammation and provides toothache relief. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth thoroughly with the solution.
Take OTC Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate the discomfort associated with tooth pain. These medications should only be taken in accordance with package instructions and under the guidance of your doctor if you are taking other medications.
Use an Ice Pack
Applying an ice pack to the area can help reduce swelling and provide pain relief. Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply it directly to the affected tooth for about 10 minutes at a time.
Contact an Emergency Dentist
Emergency dental care can relieve pain and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. Depending on the nature of your dental emergency, your emergency dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatments: 
- Tooth extraction: This is often the recommended action for patients with broken or severely damaged teeth.
- Dental crown: Crowns can help restore the function and appearance of a tooth that has been cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged. In some cases, a dental crown may be the best way to save a tooth that would need to be extracted.
- Root canal: A root canal is a procedure in which the nerve tissue and blood vessels inside a tooth are removed. This is necessary when the nerve tissue becomes infected or damaged.
Visit an Emergency Dentist at Maroondah Dental Care
At Maroondah Dental Care, we provide toothache relief for patients who are experiencing a dental emergency. Our team of experienced dentists can provide the treatment you need to relieve your pain and restore your oral health.
We understand that toothaches can be extremely painful and disruptive, so we offer convenient appointment times to ensure you get the care you need as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing a toothache, don’t wait to contact Maroondah Dental Care on (03) 9007 2532 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Pain management for dentists: the role of ibuprofen
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3414241/
How Salt Water Mouth Rinse Benefits Oral Health?
https://www.colgate.com/en-in/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/how-salt-water-mouth-rinse-benefits-oral-health
Cold Therapy (Cryotherapy) for Pain Management
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=134&contentid=95