Toothaches are among the most intense and debilitating types of pain you can experience. They can strike unexpectedly (and usually at the worst time) and have the terrible power to transform your regular day into an agonizing ordeal. The only thing on your mind at that time is to find a fix for your pain.
But getting an appointment with an emergency dentist is not always easy. Your schedule, plus the availability of dental professionals, can combine and create unwanted delays. Knowing how to alleviate severe tooth pain during this time is essential until you get an emergency dentist.
Read on to explore five practical and proven methods that can help you effectively manage severe toothache!
5 Ways to Manage Your Tooth Ache Until You See an Emergency Dentist
1. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers are your best friend when it comes to getting quick relief from severe toothache. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are highly effective in reducing swelling, giving quick relief from your tooth pain. Oral gels or topical anesthetics can also help in providing quick relief from tooth pain.
2. Cold Compress
A cold compress is a simple method of managing a severe toothache until you can see an emergency dentist. It works wonders in reducing swelling and inflammation and has a useful numbing effect on the nerves in the painful area.
Start by placing the cold compress outside your cheek over the painful area. Don’t apply ice directly on your skin. Apply the compress for 15-20 minutes, with breaks in between.
3. Salt Water Rinse
A simple salt water rinse is a super simple yet effective way to manage severe toothache. Not only does a salt water rinse help reduce inflammation, but it also cleanses and disinfects the affected area.
Mix one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Swish it around your mouth, focusing on the painful area. Do this for about 30 seconds to one minute and repeat several times daily.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
A hydrogen peroxide rinse can help alleviate severe toothache pain until you reach an emergency dentist. Hydrogen peroxide’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce infection and clean the affected area.
Combine one tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of water. Swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds. Spit it out into the sink after rinsing. Follow up by rinsing your mouth with plain water to remove any residual hydrogen peroxide.
5. Head Elevation
Head elevation helps manage severe tooth pain by reducing blood flow to the affected area and minimizing swelling. This is a highly effective way to improve comfort, especially at nighttime.
You can use a stack of pillows or a recliner during the day. Use two or three extra pillows to prop up your head and upper back while sleeping. Ensure your neck is supported to avoid strain. You can combine head elevation with other pain relief techniques for better overall relief.
When to see Emergency Dentist From Severe Toothache?
Knowing how to manage severe toothache effectively until you can see an emergency dentist can be quite useful. But it is also important to remember that these remedies only provide temporary relief.
Your tooth pain could be the result of multiple different oral problems, such as:
- Tooth decay
- Cavities
- Abscess or infection
- Periodontal disease
- Receding gums
- Oral cancer
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Trauma
There may be an unseen issue that you may be unable to detect. Your dentist is the only one who can provide you with solutions for your toothache and prevent future oral problems.
Conclusion
Dealing with a severe toothache can be an incredibly painful experience, especially when you know that you won’t get to see an emergency dentist right away. However, there are effective ways to manage the pain and discomfort while you wait.
Methods like OTCs, head elevation, and saltwater rinses offer temporary respite. However, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care as quickly as possible to detect the root cause of your toothache and ensure proper treatment.
Severe Toothache? Get Emergency Pain Relief at Diamond Dental Bellingham!
Don’t let tooth pain ruin your day or disrupt your sleep any longer. Contact Diamond Dental’s dental team to schedule an appointment or receive guidance on managing your dental emergency.
Your smile is our top priority, and we’re here to help, day or night.
Schedule your appointment in Bellingham today and say goodbye to that pesky toothache!
FAQs
Different methods, such as over-the-counter pain relievers and a cold compress, can be combined, but it’s essential to use them judiciously and with caution. Make sure that you avoid overdoing it or using conflicting remedies.
While the methods discussed above can provide relief for various types of toothaches, it’s essential to understand that they offer temporary relief and may not address the underlying cause of the pain. If your toothache persists or worsens, seek professional dental care as soon as possible.
Home remedies and medicinal pain management can only alleviate tooth pain. They are not permanent solutions. Only a dentist can address the underlying dental issue causing the pain. Delaying professional dental care could lead to further complications and worsen your condition. So visit a professional dentist as soon as you can to prevent further complications.
