Toothaches are never fun, and if you’re reading this, you’re probably experiencing the discomfort of one and looking for some way to relieve the feeling. It’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible, as pain typically means there is an underlying issue, such as tooth decay or an injury, that needs the attention of a dental professional. However, in the meantime there are some things you can do to ease the discomfort. Here are 5 ways to ease a toothache if you’re experiencing difficulty.
1. A Cold Compress
An ice pack or even a cold washcloth can be a great way to provide relief for a toothache. Cold makes your blood vessels constrict and can prevent swelling and reduce inflammation of the affected area. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a dry cloth so that it won’t make direct contact with your skin and only apply for 20 minutes at a time with 20 minute breaks in between. This is one of the simplest ways to ease a toothache, and can be repeated as often as necessary until you experience relief or you are able to see a dentist.
2. A Salt Water Rinse
Rinsing with salt water is another wonderful and easy way to relieve the pain caused by a toothache because it can treat most kinds of pain or inflammation of the teeth or mouth. It has natural healing and disinfectant properties so is often recommended by dentists and oral surgeons post-surgery. It can also help to gently wash away possible irritants like food or other debris from the affected area.
3. Over the Counter Pain Relievers
Common pain relieving medications can be one of the most helpful ways to ease a toothache, but if you’re looking for other topical ways to address your discomfort, then most pharmacies and drug stores sell pain relief gels that can be helpful to specifically address the pain. Make sure that you check with your doctor or dentist before using any medication or remedy to be sure that it is safe for you to take with any other medications you may be taking or any allergies you might have.
4. A Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
You may already be using one, but switching to a toothpaste specially designed to reduce tooth sensitivity may be one of the ways to ease a toothache recommended by your dentist if this is an ongoing issue. Many things can make teeth sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and sweets, but the use of toothpastes tailored to your needs can be helpful over time.
5. An Appointment With a Dentist
Most important on this list of ways to ease a toothache is to first of all make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. Pain management is only treating the symptom, not the problem. Teeth should not be painful, and you don’t need to live with discomfort for long. Getting an exam is important if you have a toothache because it could be a sign of tooth decay or another issue, such as a trauma, that can get worse or become infected if left untreated.
Call our Lubbock Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.