What can you do to help ease toothache pain?

Tooth pain is one of the most common reasons that people visit the dentist. Tooth pain can be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. Tooth pain is often a sign of a more serious dental issue. If you experience tooth pain, contact your dentist right away.

Reasons for tooth pain

You may have tooth pain for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, tooth pain occurs because of decay that has reached the pulp. We can often treat this pain with medication and fillings. In other cases, tooth pain occurs because of an abscess. An abscess is a buildup of pus that forms around the root of the tooth. This can be very painful and may require a root canal.

How to ease toothache?

• Rinse with salt and water

To rinse away bacteria, you can mix 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and 2 cups of warm water. Swish and gargle for 30 seconds, making sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth.

• Use a cold compress

A cold compress may help reduce toothache pain. Simply apply a cold compress to the affected area for 20 minutes. Re-apply as needed.

Toothache pain may be accompanied by swelling, which may make it difficult to apply a cold compress. If this is the case, try rinsing your mouth with saltwater.

• Avoid eating very hot or cold foods

If you experience a toothache, avoid foods that are very hot or very cold. This includes ice cream, coffee, and ice water. These foods can irritate the sensitive tissue around your tooth, making your toothache worse and prolonging the healing process.

• Rinse with a mouthwash

Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Mouthwashes can help kill bacteria and wash away debris. If you have pain, swishing the mouthwash around your mouth can temporarily numb the area.

• Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers

If your toothache is mild, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories may be enough to help temporarily relieve pain. You can take ibuprofen or naproxen to help reduce inflammation and relieve mild pain. However, if your pain is severe, you may need to take anticoagulant medication such as aspirin or acetaminophen to help control the underlying cause of your pain.

Contact your dentist

When your tooth hurts, you need relief. While it’s possible to find relief on your own, it’s best to contact your dentist right away. Your dentist will be able to provide the most effective treatment to relieve the pain, as well as prevent any permanent damage.

Until you can see your dentist, you can try to gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any food particles that may be caught in the cavity or crack. You may also be able to relieve pain with over-the-counter or prescription medications. However, it’s a good idea to only use medications after consulting your dentist.

For the best dental treatment visit Smiley Cypress Dental Care at 7160 Barker Cypress Rd Suite E, Cypress, TX 77433, or call (832) 353-3600 to book an appointment.