Dental pain can be both uncomfortable and a bit alarming. Whether you’re dealing with a toothache or sharp pain, it’s important to know how to manage the discomfort until you can see a dentist. In the meantime, before you see a dentist, these recommendations help you to manage your discomfort effectively. However, if you experience a dental emergency near you, making an immediate appointment with a dentist is the best course of action.
Read on to learn more about how you can manage dental pain until you can see a dentist.
Understanding the Causes of Pain
Before getting into the tips, it would be helpful if we knew why you might feel the pain in your teeth or gums. Dental pain usually occurs when the nerve that is inside the tooth or gum becomes irritated or infected. This can be due to common dental emergencies such as:
- Tooth decay: Cavities can result from harm caused by the acid created by plaque, which can erode the enamel, the hard outer layer that shields your teeth. These can get to the nerve inside the tooth and cause pain.
- Gum disease: Your gums may be red, swollen, or bleeding. This could be a sign of gum disease and cause discomfort and pain around the teeth.
- Tooth sensitivity: You have tooth sensitivity if your teeth are aching when you consume hot, cold, or sweet items. This process occurs when the protective layers wear away from your teeth.
- Broken or cracked tooth: Chewing hard things like ice, pencils, and more can break or crack your tooth. Additionally, teeth can get injured due to accidents, which sometimes lead to broken or cracked teeth.
Tips to Manage Pain Until You Visit a Dentist
Once you’ve identified the source of your tooth pain, you can take the appropriate action to treat it until you visit a dentist. Below are some tips that will assist you in managing your pain.
1. Rinse Mouth with Warm Salt Water
The simplest way to relieve dental pain is by rinsing your mouth with warm water and salt. Rinsing helps to clean an area around the aching tooth while at the same time lessening swelling. This is how to do it:
- Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
- Swish the salt water around your mouth for about 30 seconds.
- Spit it out and repeat if needed.
Salt water might help to remove food particles from between your teeth and mouth that may be causing pain.
2. Have Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain medication can make you feel a little better. These medications decrease the swelling, which results in reduced pain. It is important to keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution until you visit your dentist for proper care.
3. Use Cold Compress
In cases of swelling in the face due to dental pain, a cold compress may be applied to reduce the swelling. Applying a cold compress:
- Wrap a bag of ice or a cold pack in a cloth or towel.
- Apply it to the outside of your cheek near the painful tooth for 15-20 minutes.
Additionally, the cold compress helps numb the area and reduces inflammation, providing relief from the pain.
4. Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks Consumption
Some foods and drinks could increase dental pain, especially when you have a cavity or sensitive teeth. You should avoid consumption of some foods, which are:
- Hot or cold foods: These extreme temperatures trigger more pain, particularly if you have a sensitive tooth.
- Sugary foods: Sugar is likely to cause cavities and thus result in pain.
- Hard or crunchy foods: Chewing something hard would increase the discomfort, especially if you have a fractured tooth.
Consume soft foods like yogurt or mashed potatoes, and drink room-temperature water until you visit your dentist.
5. Use Clove Oil
Clove oil has been a traditional home remedy for tooth pain for many generations. The eugenol in clove oil has numbing and soothing properties. Here’s how to use it:
- Dip a tiny amount of clove oil with a cotton ball or a clean cloth.
- Rub it gently on the aching tooth or gum area.
- Leave it on for some minutes and then spit it out. Then rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Be mindful not to consume the clove oil, as it might cause stomach discomfort.
6. Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing may help to remove food particles or infectious bacteria from the mouth that are causing pain. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently around the affected area. You might even rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to eliminate bacteria and freshen your breath. Additionally, if your tooth is aching, it doesn’t mean you should neglect oral hygiene.
7. Use a Tea Bag
A warm tea bag helps relieve dental pain, particularly when you have swollen gums. Tea contains a natural compound that helps to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Here is how you use a tea bag:
- Soak a tea bag in hot water for some minutes.
- Let it become lukewarm.
- Place this warm tea bag on the painful area for 10-15 minutes.
You can achieve this by drinking tea, particularly chamomile, known for its relaxing properties. Regular black tea can also be effective.
8. Avoid Smoking
When you’re experiencing dental discomfort, smoking can irritate your gums and teeth, making the situation worse. It’s best to avoid smoking until you see a dentist. Additionally, smoking increases the risk of gum disease and can hinder healing after dental procedures.
9. Get Professional Help Immediately
Applying the tips mentioned above can provide short-term relief from dental discomfort, but they are not long-term solutions. Often, tooth pain signals an underlying issue that needs professional attention. Therefore, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you receive treatment, the quicker you’ll find lasting relief from the discomfort.
Schedule a Dental Appointment at Garth Dental Today!
Garth Dental has a team of experienced dentists who are experienced and offer quality dental care. We offer multiple dental services in a welcoming environment. Our dentist in Hamilton utilizes the latest technology to ensure precision and comfort during each procedure.
Schedule your appointment to receive more information and advice on maintaining your oral health.
