Having a toothache isn’t just painful, it can distract you from what you need to do during the day. This is especially true if you’re worried about what might be causing it. Do you have a cavity? Is there a serious problem?
You’ll want to schedule an appointment, look for a “dental clinic near me” to find out what’s going on, but in the meantime you need toothache first aid. What can you do to reduce the pain and get on with your day?
Here are the tips you need.
Rinse Your Mouth
Many times your teeth hurt because debris is stuck in them. Other times your gums are stressed or swollen.
Either way, rinsing your mouth with warm water can help. The water may dislodge particles and relieve the pain, and it may also soothe inflammation. You might also try a saltwater solution, which is a natural disinfectant.
Simply mix one-half teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Then swish it around in your mouth and spit it out.
Take Over-the-Counter Medications
Whenever you’re in pain, taking pain medicine can help. You might try aspirin or ibuprofen. This will help dull the pain and can allow you to get on with your day until you get to see the dentist.
One thing you don’t want to do is apply aspirin or other medication directly to your gums. This is not a proper use and can burn or injure your gums.
Make sure you follow the instructions on the medication bottle. Don’t take too much, and be sure you schedule an appointment with a good dentist in Ottawa.
Use a Cold Compress
Swollen or injured gums respond well to cold. It can help swelling go down while also dulling pain. The blood vessels in the area will constrict and pain will be less severe.
Making a cold compress is simple. Wrap a bag of ice in a towel and apply it to the injured or painful area. You can hold it for 20 minutes a time, every few hours.
Be Sure to See the Dentist
No toothache first aid takes the place of seeing a proper dental professional. Toothaches can be caused by a variety of problems, from gum disease to cavities to problems with your wisdom teeth.
If you need your wisdom teeth removed, you are probably experiencing a great deal of pain. These wisdom teeth removal tips might help, but the key is to see a dentist as soon as possible. The faster your problem teeth are removed, the faster you can recover and return to your normal priorities.
Seeing a dentist for a tooth extraction in London will also give you peace of mind. You can diagnose the problem and get it resolved quickly.
What Not to Do About Tooth Pain
These tips will help you reduce pain and be more comfortable. However, there are tooth pain mistakes you should avoid.
For instance, don’t apply benzocaine directly to your irritated tooth and gum area. This medication has been known to cause a rare but very serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces the amount of oxygen your blood carries.
Also, avoid acidic foods and drinks, which can make the pain worse. Sports drinks, soda, and sugar can also make things worse.
Most of all, don’t avoid the dentist! When you have tooth pain, using at-home remedies are only a temporary solution. The real key is to see a dentist and get the diagnosis and treatment you need.
2018 ·