Having a toothache can be a huge pain- literally. If a sore head, disturbed sleep, and a throbbing jaw are all too familiar for you, then you probably need some relief for your toothache.
While the best solution is to go to the dentist, sometimes, you don’t always have the chance to get straight to the clinic. That’s when at-home emergency toothache relief comes in handy.
These dentist-approved emergency toothache methods are for you.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers provide one of the easiest ways to experience relief from toothaches. NSAIDs provide mild pain relief and do wonders to alleviate swelling and discomfort caused by dental infections.
Some NSAIDs that you can easily find OTC include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. If your situation hasn’t improved after taking a few doses, you should see a dentist. You can Google “dental emergency dentist near me” to find help.
- OTC Oral Ointments
OTC oral ointments, such as Orajel, can provide temporary relief for an emergency toothache. These can be purchased from local pharmacies.
However, keep in mind that these only provide temporary relief, so you should still schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.
- Saltwater
Combining salt with warm water can kill the bacteria in your mouth and ease inflammation. Not only is this an effective way to relieve tooth pain, but it can also relieve canker sores.
Once the salt is mixed in, swish the solution around in your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out.
- Ice Packs
Ice packs are also great for easing inflammation. Place the ice pack on the affected area to experience pain relief.
After your mouth cools down, you may find that the pain returns, at which point you need to schedule a dentist appointment.
- Baking Soda
Like saltwater, baking soda is also effective at killing bacteria. Mix baking soda with warm water to form a paste, and apply the paste directly to the aching area.
This should help hold you over until you can schedule an appointment with your dentist.
What Causes a Toothache?
While sometimes a toothache will go away on its own, often, it’s indicative of an underlying issue. Tooth decay is the most common reason for a toothache.
If the decay is left untreated, it can lead to a cavity. When a cavity develops, it penetrates the enamel on your teeth, resulting in exposed nerves, which can lead to pain.
Other causes for toothaches include:
- Trauma to the mouth
- Teeth grinding or bruxism
- Gum disease
- Dental cyst or abscess
- Losing a filling
- Wisdom teeth eruption
- Loss of a permanent tooth
The only way to figure out the cause of your emergency toothache is to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Emergency Toothache: Time to Act
Now that you know how to provide relief for an emergency toothache, it’s time for the next steps. Try these relief methods above, and schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible.
If the pain is really serious, your dentist should be able to get you in for an emergency appointment. Check back in with us for more dental tips Learn More
