How to Ease a Toothache Before Getting to the Dentist
Uh oh. You feel an ache in your jaw. You stretch it out, hoping it’s just a muscle ache. Unfortunately, it doesn’t go away.
You realize you have a toothache. That means you need to see the dentist, of course. But what can you do in the meantime? Do you just have to suffer?
No, you don’t! There’s a lot you can do to ease a toothache while you wait for the dentist appointment from etobicoke emergency dental clinic. Here are some ideas.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth
A toothache can have a variety of causes, from a cavity to gum issues to shark teeth in children. However, sometimes it has a much simpler source.
Sometimes the pain is caused — or made worse — by debris in your mouth. Maybe something is caught between your teeth or is rubbing against your gums. You can solve the problem by brushing your teeth and flossing.
This will clean your teeth and gums and dislodge any debris. You may get immediate relief. If this is the only problem, maybe you don’t need to see the dentist right away.
If it’s been a while since your last professional cleaning, though, you may want to schedule one of those in the near future.
Try a Saltwater Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with warm water or saltwater can be a good way to reduce inflammation and pain. Salt is a natural disinfectant and can help reduce swelling.
A rinse is another way to dislodge particles if there is anything stuck in your teeth. All you need to do is mix one-half teaspoon of salt into warm water. Swish it in your mouth and spit it out.
You don’t want to swallow saltwater — it can be damaging to your health.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medicine
Taking aspirin or ibuprofen can help reduce the pain you’re feeling temporarily. Be sure you don’t take more than recommended. Some pain medication also reduces swelling, which can make a big difference if you’re in pain.
Be sure you don’t apply any pain medication, including aspirin, directly to your teeth or gums. The chemicals can cause burns, which will only make the problem worse.
Over-the-counter pain medicine is easy to obtain and inexpensive, so it’s a great solution while you wait for your dentist appointment.
Try a Cold Compress
If you aren’t sure what’s causing your pain, you might try to use an icepack on your jaw or gums. It’s easy and almost free. Just put ice in a bag and hold it against the painful area.
You can hold it for 20 minutes at a time. You’ll need to space the treatments a few hours apart. Cold helps reduce swelling and pain, so it gives you a double benefit.
Your Dentist Can Diagnose the Problem
A toothache can have a variety of causes. The key is to get to your dentist like dr todd dentist oshawa as soon as you can to resolve the issue.
In the meantime, though, you don’t have to suffer. You can use these tips to reduce pain and swelling while you wait for your appointment. Try one or several. However, don’t make the mistake of going overboard. Your internal health is important as well!
