A toothache is an incredibly uncomfortable experience. Sometimes, you may have to wait for your dental appointment, which may mean that you have to find ways to cope with your toothache. At Sunset Dental Care, we are dedicated to providing you with top-notch dental services to optimize your oral health. Here are a few relief strategies for toothaches to help you remain comfortable until your dental appointment.
Common Toothache Causes
Understanding toothache causes can help you to avoid them and ensure you obtain the appropriate treatment to resolve the issue. Teeth that become abscessed may result in a substantial amount of pain. It is also important to note that trauma that occurs to the jaw can lead to damage to the teeth, that may result in a toothache. Tooth decay and the development of cavities can enable the sensitive dentin layer of the teeth to be uncovered, which can create a significant amount of pain. Having your oral health restored can greatly alleviate your pain.
Preventing Toothaches
Caring for your teeth can help to alleviate problems and prevent the discomfort in the first place. It is essential to ensure that you follow the appropriate steps to take care of your teeth, which includes a great oral hygiene routine. A critical component of maintaining good oral health involves brushing your teeth twice every day and flossing at least once daily. Mouthwash can further help to strengthen your teeth and prevent oral health problems from arising.
Visit your Dentist
If you are experiencing toothaches, it is certain that there is a problem that is causing your toothache. In order to completely eliminate the toothache, you will want to ensure that you visit your dentist for diagnostics. This will enable you to repair to underlying problem and permanently alleviate your toothache. If you have a toothache for more than a few days or are experiencing trouble swallowing or breathing, a fever, swelling, or discharge, it will be essential to schedule a dental appointment.
Peppermint Products
The use of peppermint can often help you to numb the area around your affected tooth and alleviate discomfort. There are many products that contain peppermint that can aid in your pain relief. Peppermint tea bags, peppermint leaves, and peppermint extract can all be effective at numbing the area and reducing your discomfort.
Pain Relievers
Over the counter pain relievers can be used to help obtain relief from your toothache. If you intend to use OTC pain relievers, you will want to ensure that you ask your dentist before use, so that you know it will be safe to do so. There are even some pain relievers that can be used to help specifically for oral health problems, such as numbing agents that you spread directly over the affected area.
Rinse with Saltwater
A saltwater rinse is a traditional remedy for a reason. When you rinse your mouth with a warm, saltwater solution, you can often help to relieve the discomfort from your toothache. Salt and mild heat aid in reducing swelling. In addition, this rinse can help you to remove bacteria and prevent the development of infections.
Use Ice
Ice is yet another traditional remedy. You can use a frozen bag of peas, cold compress, or bag of ice in order to relieve toothache pain. However, you shouldn’t place the frozen object against the tooth that is impacted. This can simply trigger sensitivity and cause even more discomfort. When you hold the cold object against the outside of the mouth, you will often be able to reduce any pain that you might be experiencing. Wrapping this in cloth or a paper towel can further help to protect your skin from discomfort.
Though these strategies can all help to relieve the pain of a toothache, it will still be important to ensure that you have the underlying issue resolved in order to protect your oral health. Toothaches don’t arise for no reason; they indicate the presence of another oral health problem. When you work with our experts at Sunset Dental Care, you can reduce these problems and restore the health of your teeth. If you have a toothache, you should schedule an appointment with us at Sunset Dental Care in Northern Utah today!