What you don’t know could hurt you. Toothaches are, without a doubt, one of the worst pains you can experience. That’s why it’s important to know what to do if you’re experiencing one.
Not only can they be painful, but they’re also harmful to your oral health as they’re a clear indicator of something going on with your teeth.
But this is not to worry as there are a variety of toothache relief methods that you can use to help take some of the pain away and get you back to your regular routine. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
Rinsing Your Mouth With Salt Water
Rinsing your mouth with salt water has long been a go-to remedy for relieving a nasty toothache. Salt neutralizes the pH of acidic plaque, reducing the pain and discomfort associated with a toothache. This can be done easily in the comfort of your own home.
All you need to do is mix one teaspoon of table salt into a glass of warm water and stir until the salt has fully dissolved. Gargle the solution for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then spit it out.
For a more potent effect, you can opt to swish the solution around your mouth and between your teeth before spitting it out. You may need to repeat the procedure several times throughout the day.
Oral Pain Relievers
Oral pain relievers provide a quick and easy way to get some fast-acting toothache relief. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are safe and effective for treating mild to moderate toothaches.
When taking any type of drug, it’s important to read the instructions thoroughly and take them exactly as directed.
For moderate to severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications, your dentist may recommend prescription pain relievers to help you manage the pain until treatment can be provided.
Ice
Ice is an effective toothache relief method. Ice helps to relieve the pain of a toothache by numbing the area around the tooth, reducing inflammation and swelling.
Place a cube of ice onto the painful side of the face, making sure to keep it on the cheek away from the painful area. Hold the ice on the area for about 10 minutes. Use this method two to three times per day, as needed.
Seek the Advice of a Healthcare Professional
The best way to get relief from a toothache is to seek the advice of a healthcare professional at your local dentist office. Not only can a healthcare professional diagnose the cause of the toothache, but also offer much-needed relief.
Some of the professional help that can be provided includes cleaning infected teeth, prescribing antibiotics to fight a bacterial infection and recommending over-the-counter pain relievers.
If a tooth has been severely damaged or requires extraction, a professional may be able to provide appropriate treatment. Treatment options may also include cavity fillings, root canals, and other restorative treatments.
Choose the Best Toothache Relief
There are many effective toothache relief methods available. Everyone’s sensation of pain is different, so it is important to experiment with different relief methods to find the one that works for you.
Whether you prefer natural remedies like rinsing with salt water or medicines such as over-the-counter ibuprofen, take action today to bring some relief to your toothache!
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