Toothache and other types of dental pain such as facial swelling, mouth ulcers and sore gums can be very painful. Upon noticing this pain you should schedule an appointment with Sparkling Dental as soon as possible, but in the meantime you may wish to try some of the following pain relief tips at home. Toothache is often a sign of a problem in need of diagnosis and professional treatment, and if left untreated your symptoms will continue to worsen.
Relieving Toothache Pain at Home
Toothaches can vary in severity from mild to severe, and they can be constant or intermittent throughout the day. There are many reasons why you may be experiencing a toothache, with some possible explanations including infection, decay and injury.
If you are not able to get to the dentist right away, you might like to try some of the following to ease the pain:
- Refrain from drinking hot beverages and very hot food.
- Avoid food and beverages which contain large amounts of sugar and are acidic.
- Use Panadol or other over-the-counter pain relief as necessary.
- Lightly massage your gums.
- Use an ice pack pressed against your cheek.
- After brushing and flossing, leave a small amount of toothpaste on the affected tooth.
- Saltwater rinse can relieve irritation. Swish some saltwater around for about 30 minutes before spitting it out.
- Use sensitive toothpaste. If you only experience pain when drinking/eating extremely hot or cold food and beverages, then it is possible you have sensitive teeth. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth might be worth a try.
- Apply clove oil to the affected tooth using a cotton ball. Clove oil contains eugenol which is a mild, natural anaesthetic.
Possible Causes of Toothache
Dentists often find that tooth decay is the reason behind a patient experiencing toothache. It is important that tooth decay is treated as soon as possible, as otherwise an abscess may develop and infection could spread. Toothaches can also be caused by an impacted tooth, most commonly a wisdom tooth.
It is also possible for other health conditions such as sinusitis to cause a toothache. This is due to the close proximity of your upper teeth to the sinuses.
How to Prevent Toothaches
The best way of preventing toothache is to have a good oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing and perhaps using a mouthwash. You should also have your teeth cleaned and checked twice a year.
Experiencing Toothache? Visit Sparkling Dental Today
Whilst the above tips can be helpful in managing your pain at home, it is important to visit your dentist for a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan. If left untreated, a toothache can result in cavities, abscesses and other problems.
To book an emergency dental appointment please call Sparkling Dental on 02 9953 0088.
