How Can You Treat a Toothache At Home?
Whether the pain is sharp and fast or a dull, lingering ache, tooth pain is distressing. Now there is only one solution to get rid of a toothache safely and permanently — you need to go and see the dentist. But that isn’t always possible, as your toothache may flare up at night, on a Sunday, or while you are away from home. With proper preventative care, most people can avoid tooth pain, but at Believe Dental Care, we understand toothaches and want to help.
What Can Cause A Toothache?
Tooth pain is usually a sign of something wrong with the teeth or gums. Some people have mild symptoms of a toothache, but for others, the pain might be sharp, constant, or throbbing. Several things can cause a toothache, but the most common ones include:
- A damaged filling
- Infected gums
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Tooth fracture
- Abscessed tooth
- Tooth decay
When Should You See A Dentist for A Toothache?
If you have a toothache that lasts more than 1-2 days and is causing you a lot of pain or discomfort, it could be a sign of an advanced cavity or an infected tooth, and you need to see the doctor immediately. Your condition will only worsen without proper care, causing you further pain.
Other signs you need to see a doctor for a toothache include:
- Pain when pressure is applied to the tooth: This might be a sign of a severe cavity or a faulty restoration. Either issue requires immediate treatment.
- Weird taste in the mouth: Having a bad taste in the mouth or a bad odor that lingers all day might be a sign a tooth is infected or severely decayed.
- Bleeding gums and inflammation: Blood from the gums, especially when accompanied by swelling, maybe a symptom of periodontal disease or an infection.
- Swollen jaw and neck: Swelling around the neck and jaw areas can signify an infection spreading to other body parts, which can have life-threatening consequences.
Can a Toothache Go Away on Its Own?
Depending on their cause, toothaches can go away without treatment. For instance, a minor toothache due to temporary gum irritation should disappear in a day or two. But if you have a severe toothache caused by a cavity, abscess, infection, or other dental conditions, the pain may come and go. Still, it won’t go away completely without professional restorative dental treatment.
What is the Best Painkiller for a Toothache?
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen, like Tylenol, work well with dental pain because they reduce inflammation.
How Else Can You Treat A Toothache?
Apart from taking painkillers, you can also try these at-home remedies to ease your tooth pain and get some relief.
- Saltwater rinses: A warm saltwater rinse can reduce inflammation, improve wound healing, and ease toothache pain. To make a saltwater rinse, stir ½ to ¾ tsp salt into a warm glass of water, swish the solution in your mouth for up to 30 seconds, then spit out the solution.
- Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the affected side of the face can help relieve pain and reduce swelling and inflammation by shrinking blood vessels. Do this for 20 minutes, then repeat every few hours as necessary.
- Peppermint tea bag: applying a chilled peppermint tea bag on the sore area can help alleviate tooth pain and soothe sensitive gums. Put a steeped tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes and cool down a little before applying it to the affected area.
- Clove oil: This natural antiseptic reduces pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also acts as a temporary pain reliever. Soak a cotton ball and dab it against the affected tooth and gums or rub it directly on the sore area.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves contain allicin, which has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. You can slowly chew a piece of garlic or crush a garlic clove to create a paste and put it on the affected tooth.
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse: This can help reduce tooth pain and inflammation while healing bleeding gums. Mix a solution of equal parts over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide and water, swish it in your mouth for one minute, then spit it out. Don’t swallow it.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
While these at-home remedies can help reduce the pain and discomfort, you need to see one of our experienced doctors at Believe Dental Care in Swanton, OH, to diagnose the root cause of the toothache and get proper, professional treatment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.