Are you suffering from a throbbing toothache and swollen gums? Toothaches are notorious and can be anything starting from gum irritation to severe bacterial infection. The internal part of your tooth is filled with pulp that contains nerves, blood vessels and tissues. When these nerve ends are irritated or infected, they test your pain threshold to the maximum, literally! Usually mild during the day, toothaches are known to get worse at night.
Below are some home remedies to help you manage your painful tooth until you schedule a emergency dentist appointment.
At-Home Toothache Remedies
Warm Saltwater
Saltwater rinse has antibacterial properties and is the oldest remedy used to reduce dental pain. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in one glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth a couple of times before spitting it out.
Cold Compresses
Cold compress works great, especially if the cause of toothache roots from a trauma. You need to keep an ice pack or wrap some ice in a cloth and then put it gently on the site of pain at an interval of 15 minutes.
Clove Oil
Clove is a natural healing agent that has analgesic properties. The best way to take maximum benefit is to dip a cotton ball or bud into clove oil and apply it directly on the affected tooth. It will provide instant toothache relief.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera contains anthraquinone, which aids in killing and removing bad bacteria from your mouth. You can scoop out Aloe Vera Gel from the Aloe leaf and apply it on the site of pain to reduce the burning sensation.
Over-the-counter Medication
OTC medications that are available for tooth pain also serve as anti-inflammatory drugs. Dental gels, paracetamol, naproxen sodium, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are a few very effective pain relievers. If you are going through any health complications or taking regular blood pressure medication, then it is better to seek advice from your doctor before using over-the-counter analgesics.
What is causing your toothache?
- Poor oral health leading to cavities and tooth decay
- Delayed treatment of abscessed tooth
- Broken and cracked tooth
- Worn-off fillings and dental accessories
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Inflamed sinuses causing pressure in the upper teeth
- Wisdom tooth eruption
- Tooth fracture and injury
- Severe tooth sensitivity
How to prevent toothache?
Regular oral care can be incorporated in the form of small steps in your daily routine. You can start by following the rule of brushing twice and flossing before bedtime to clean between the teeth. Making some dietary changes is also a great idea, sugary and carbonated drinks make all kinds of dental problems worse. You can also schedule your regular dental check-up to keep your teeth under check.
When to worry about your toothache?
In most cases, a toothache isn’t a sign of anything dangerous, but if you have a high fever with chills, swelling with jaw pain, yellow or white coloured pus drainage and pounding headache, then these are signs of advanced dental problems and require medical attention.
To get immediate dental care, you can book your appointment online at Total Care Dental Studio online or call us at (07) 3186 8517.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Toothache Home Remedies
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/home-remedies-toothache
How to get rid of toothache
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326133
Toothache Remedies that really work
https://www.forbes.com/health/body/tooth-pain-remedies/