Is your sudden toothache ruining your perfect day? Toothaches always seem to hit you at the worst time. It could be on a well-planned Friday evening or over a relaxing holiday. Either way, knowing emergency toothache relief methods can help keep the discomfort on hold.
Tooth pain can be devastating. You might have high pain tolerance, but when it comes to toothache, the pain can be pretty unbearable. We know how swelling and throbbing pain can prevent you from talking, eating, and drinking. The pain can even keep you up all night, especially when you don’t have the option to get straight to your dental expert to figure out what’s wrong. This is where emergency toothache relief tactics come in for your rescue.
If you are experiencing intolerable tooth pain, this article is for you. We’ll be able to give you some helpful information on emergency toothache relief methods.
What Causes Tooth Pain?
A toothache can cause pain around your jaws and teeth. The pain occurs when there’s irritation to the pulp, i.e., the middle part of your tooth. Tooth fracture, dental decay, and gum disease are some of the root causes of your distress.
A tooth fracture is when you get a crack in a tooth. That could be a line of small cracks or a sizeable single split. Chewing on something hard, getting hit in your mouth, feeling pressure from grinding your teeth, undergoing severe temperature changes, and age causes tooth fracture.
Cavities are the primary cause of dental decay. Here, the bacteria in your mouth harden and turn into plaque. So remember to see a dentist before you suffer from such dental infections.
Gingivitis is a gum disease that causes redness, irritation, and swelling around the base of your teeth, called gingiva. You may also notice sensitivity and bleeding from your gums.
Effective Methods for Emergency Toothache Relief
All the abovementioned issues can lead to significant problems if left untreated. I think your priority should be scheduling an appointment with your dental expert as soon as possible.
But the best part is you don’t have to live in discomfort while waiting for your appointment to come around, as here are some helpful methods for your emergency toothache relief.
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Over-the-counter pain relievers
An excellent place to start would be in your medicine cabinet. Mild pain relievers, called NSAIDs, can help reduce inflammation and pain caused by dental infections.
Some of the popular types of NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, and naproxen (Aleve). Try using these precisely as directed. You may need to visit the dentist if you do not get relief even after two or three average scheduled doses.
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Oil of cloves
This antibacterial emergency toothache relief method has been used for decades. Eugenol, an extract from cloves, also works as a soothing lotion after tooth extraction. The eugenol in clove oil slightly numbs the area, which helps you calm down the pain.
You can purchase clove oil from any drugstore and health food shops. Or you can grind a whole clove with water to make a thick paste and apply it over the tooth. You can also put it into an empty tea bag and bite it on the bag.
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Toothache drops and gels
Various ointments are available over the counter from local pharmaceutical stores specifically designed to treat emergency toothaches and other oral pain.
Please keep in mind that this will only help you with temporary relief. Constant tooth pain can indicate that you should see your dentist immediately.
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Cold Therapy
Cold therapy works exceptionally well if you are in pain due to swollen gums or an injury. You can use ice packs to help soothe the pain.
Hold the ice pack on your cheek on the side of your painful tooth and keep rotating it on and off for a few minutes.
You might think, what exactly does cold therapy do? A cold therapy treatment constricts your blood vessels, slowing down the blood flow to your affected area. This further helps in reducing inflammation in the painful area.
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Rinse your Mouth with Saltwater
Rinsing your mouth with warm, salty water is one of the most effective ways to relieve the pain. Saltwater loosens particles stuck in between your teeth and reduces swelling and inflammation.
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Garlic
Allicin is a potent compound present in garlic that has antibacterial properties and has been in use for a long time for medicinal purposes. Crush and mix the garlic with salt before applying it to the affected area.
Now you might be thinking about the awful breath you will be left with after the remedy, but remember, it comes in handy for your emergency toothache relief.
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Peppermint Tea
Peppermint can be a great way for you to find some relief from your emergency toothache. It has menthol that gives it a minty smell and flavor and carries antibacterial properties.
To make peppermint tea, boil one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves and let it soak for around 20 minutes.
Once the drink cools down, you can swirl it around your mouth and spit it out. You can also use a warm and damp peppermint tea bag to hold against the affected area.
Another quick remedy for your emergency toothache relief is pouring a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball and placing them against the tooth.
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Baking soda
Do you have a box of baking soda? Perfect! Baking soda is an effective bacteria killer. It neutralizes acidic conditions caused by the bacteria in your mouth.
Try making a thick paste of baking soda and water and gently rub the paste on your tooth and gums for temporary relief.
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Elevate your head while sleeping
Try elevating your head while sleeping. You can take the support of several pillows as per your preference. This will reduce swelling by preventing the pressure caused by blood flow into your mouth and head.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also acidic that kills the bacteria that cause toothache.
Soak a cotton ball in apple cyder vinegar and gently press it on your tooth for comfort.
How to Avoid Emergency Toothaches?
We all take precautions when driving or playing sports, right? Likewise, proper care and protection, like regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, can help you avoid emergency toothache.
Daily brushing and flossing can eliminate plaque, bacteria, and food particles from your teeth and gums. It would help if you made this an everyday hygiene routine to help avoid toothaches and gum disease.
Go for regular visits to your dental professional. They examine your gums, teeth, and other soft tissues for signs of gum diseases, early decay, and oral cancer.
Dental X-rays and scans can help detect decay that is barely visible to the naked eye. Your dental hygienist uses special instruments to identify areas where gum disease is just starting.
When You Should See a Dental Expert For Emergency Toothache Relief
These emergency toothache relief methods are to provide you with quick but temporary relief. Remember, these are not permanent fixes for your toothache.
Often, a toothache is a sign of a more significant problem that needs professional assistance. If your feel the pain for more than a day or two, seek treatment from your dental expert.
Where to Find Affordable Emergency Dental Care
Worried about not having insurance to help pay for dental care? Do not worry! At Le Sueur Family Dental, you can take advantage of the benefit of our in-house savings plan so you can quickly get your dental needs covered.
Our dental experts, Dr. David Tycast and Dr. Tycast at Le Sueur Family Dental, provide their patients with the most extensive and up-to-date dental care possible.
We at Le Sueur Family Dental deliver the quality dental services our patients deserve. We only have one goal: to give you the finest possible service and results. Schedule your appointment to avoid dental issues, or call us at (507) 665-6812. You can also request an appointment by filling out this form.
