What to do if you have a toothache (and what you should avoid)

We all have done it! Putting off a doctor’s visit or a trip to the dentist – until something hurts. At that point relief is all that matters. There are effective and ineffective home remedies that can help you cope with the pain. However, whatever the reason may be that you are not picking up the phone and calling your dentist right away, I can assure you a dentist will have more effective methods to get you out of pain. In the meantime, here are a few methods that may help you find some pain relief:

  • Put a cold pack or ice to your face.
  • Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.
  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash.
  • Apply over-the-counter  pain-relieving gels and liquids containing benzocaine, which will numb the area, directly to the sore tooth and nearby gums.
  • Some swear natural remedies such as chewing garlic or applying Peppermint or Clove oils provide relief. And they may. Yet, be careful with alternative treatments and always disclose everything you have done to your doctor or dentist.
  • Meditation or relaxation techniques.
  • Seek dental care if your symptoms last for more than three days.
  • Rest.

Toothache Don’ts!

  • Never use prescription pain relievers that are not prescribed to you.
  • Avoid the dentist due to fear.  There are many new techniques and methods available to make you comfortable during your visit.
  • Don’t pull out your own tooth!

Don’t delay getting emergency dental treatment if THIS applies to you:

There are toothaches that you can live with for a few days and then there are those you shouldn’t. If you are experiencing severe pain, your body is trying to tell you something.

Infected or abscessed teeth

It’s vital to seek emergency dental treatment if you show any of these symptoms associated with infected or abscessed teeth:

  • Red, swollen gums
  • A fever
  • A swollen, red bump in the mouth
  • Blood or puss
  • Throbbing pain
  • Unpleasant or salty taste in the mouth
  • Swollen face or jaw
    If you delay treatment your underlying condition may worsen and consequences may include the loss of the tooth and supporting bone. Moreover, a bacterial infection may also spread to other parts of the body, which may land you in the emergency room.

Broken or lost tooth

Also see a dentist as soon as possible if you broke or lost a tooth. In some cases, a broken tooth can be treated and preserved if you deal with it in time. It is important that your dentist makes sure that there is no further trauma to your jaw or tissue that could cause you more trouble. As with all trauma, you also want to make sure everything is treated and cared for properly to avoid infection or other complications. Car crash, sports injury or simply bad luck biting on a hard piece of food can cause broken teeth, it happens!  Make sure you seek treatment as soon as you can.

Schedule an emergency appointment!

We offer same-day and emergency dental appointments to assure our patients don’t have to suffer. Call 405-85 SMILE or schedule your appointment, now