Imagine suddenly having a toothache on a Saturday night, just when you are about to go to bed! Undoubtedly, one of the most inconvenient and painful experiences of one’s life. Fortunately, there are ways in which toothache can be managed at home while you wait for a dentist’s appointment. This article offers various tips that can help you get rid of a toothache when it is not possible to see the dentist.
How To Relieve Tooth Pain?
The first step in relieving a toothache is to identify its cause. Stand in front of the mirror and examine your teeth for any visible cracks or chips or any swellings that might be causing the pain. In some cases, a toothache can also occur if something is stuck between your teeth. You can remove this foreign object by inserting dental floss between the teeth and gently taking it out. Don’t use other sharp objects like toothpicks as they may injure your gums. In most cases, the pain goes away as soon as the causative agent is removed. However, if you cannot determine the underlying cause, taking over-the-counter pain medication may prove helpful while you wait for your dentist’s appointment.
What Are The Home Remedies For Pericoronitis?
According to the National Health Service (NHS), pericoronitis refers to the inflammation of the soft tissues present around entirely or partially impacted teeth – mainly, the wisdom teeth. Maintaining optimal oral hygiene, especially around the impacted tooth, eating a soft diet and applying icepacks over the affected side’s skin are some measures that can help you minimise the pain and discomfort associated with pericoronitis.
Is it Better To Gargle With Salt Water Or Peroxide?
Gargling with salt water or a peroxide solution are effective measures in treating dental problems. Hydrogen peroxide inherently possesses antibacterial properties. Hence, when you gargle with a peroxide solution, it will neutralise the harmful bacteria inside the oral cavity. However, when using peroxide, make sure not to swallow it as may it be harmful to the internal organs. Saltwater also possesses some antibacterial properties; however, the most efficient method is to use a combination of saltwater and peroxide – and spitting the solution out after gargling.
What Are Some Home Remedies For Nerve Tooth Pain?
Nerve tooth pain occurs when the dental pulp of the tooth, which contains the blood vessels and nerves, gets inflamed. In the early stages, nerve tooth pain can be relieved with pain medication or remedies such as saltwater gargles, peppermint tea bags, thyme vanilla extract or clove oil. However, it must be kept in mind that these are only temporary measures, and you must seek professional dental help to get the underlying problem treated.
How Can a Person Prevent a Tooth Infection?
Preventing tooth infections is easier than you think! All you need to do is maintain optimal oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once every day. More importantly, never skip a checkup appointment with your dentist, as it goes a long way in keeping you healthy and free of dental problems.
Why Should I Go To Urgent Care If I Have a Tooth Pain?
A toothache can occur due to several reasons – some of them are serious and need urgent attention. The NHS recommends seeing your dentist at the first opportunity if the pain:
- Lasts for more than two days
- Does not go away with painkillers
- You have high temperature, red gums or a bad taste in the mouth
- Your jaws and cheeks are swollen
However, if you have any of the following symptoms, you must visit any nearby emergency of dental practice without delay:
- The area around the jaws or neck is swollen
- Swelling in the mount is making it difficult for you to breathe, swallow, or speak.
How to Numb Tooth Pain?
There are several ways to relieve tooth pain; either you can take any over-the-counter pain medication or rely on home remedies. Applying clove oil around the affected tooth is one of the best at-home options for getting rid of a toothache. Saltwater rinses are also effective in relieving dental pain. However, if the pain does not go away even with the remedies mentioned above, it is serious, and you must visit your dentist immediately.
What is the Best Quick Relief From Tooth Pain?
Using a pain-relieving medication is one of the quickest and effective ways in relieving toothache. However, if anti-inflammatory medication is not available, you can use oil of clove or peppermint tea bags as well. Placing an icepack around the affected side of the face is also helpful in relieving the pain and swelling.
I Have a Dental Emergency. What Should I Do?
Whenever in an emergency, the first thing you need to do is see your dentist right away. If the emergency arises during out-of-business hours, call them and seek advice over the phone. Every dental office has an emergency hotline for patients to call during an emergency. If there is uncontrolled bleeding due to an injury, it is best not to wait and visit any nearby hospital emergency for treatment.
How Effective Is Clove Oil For Treating Toothaches?
Clove oil is being used for centuries for treating toothache. When applied around the affected tooth, clove oil numbs the area and relieves the pain. Besides, clove oil also has good anti-inflammatory properties, which accelerate the healing process.
Dental emergencies come without warnings and often occur when least expected. If you or a loved one has a dental emergency in the future, make sure to seek professional help right away. If you live in or near Oxfordshire, you can visit The Smile Practice, whether you require routine dental care or emergency treatment. Our highly qualified and trained staff is there to take care of all your dental problems. So, book an appointment today and let us take care of your oral health.
This post has been written by Dr Ajay Murgai, he is a highly experienced General and Cosmetic Dental Surgeon. Dr Ajay runs clinics in Hertfordshire, South Oxfordshire and Harley Street, and carries out a full spectrum of treatments from Aesthetic Dentistry to routine examinations.
