How To Relieve Tooth Pain

tooth pain McKinney, TX

Nothing ruins a perfectly good day like tooth pain. It can leave your mouth sore and tender, it can make your gums throb with pain and it can even lead to some rather vicious headaches. Toothaches are the way the body signals the brain that there are problems in the mouth. The most effective way to end tooth pain is by going to a dentist to get the problem diagnosed and treated.

Manage tooth pain

At times, a patient might have to wait a few days or longer before seeing the dentist. In that case, the individual has to figure out ways to manage the discomfort and pain associated with the toothache until it is time for the dental appointment. Here are some simple ways to cope with nagging tooth pain:

1. Saltwater rinse

Saltwater rinses are easy to make since most pantries already contain the main ingredient. Simply mix about one-half teaspoon salt with an eight-ounce glass of warm water. Use this rinse by swishing it around the mouth and spitting it out. This home remedy helps to clear out irritants that are making the tooth discomfort worse. It also has a numbing effect.

2. OTC pain medication

There are different types of over-the-counter pain relievers to manage toothaches. Acetaminophen is recommended for children, while NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen are fine for adults. Patients should swallow the pill instead of breaking it down and applying it to the affected area. That home remedy does not work, and it can damage the inside of the patient's mouth.

3. Cold compress

A cold compress can also be used to manage the pain associated with toothaches. It is particularly effective when the tooth throbbing is accompanied by significant inflammation. The patient simply makes a cold compress by putting ice and a little bit of water in a freezer bag. The compress should be covered with a clean cloth before pressing it against the face for about 15 minutes and subsequently removing it for another 15 minutes. The process should be repeated as many times as necessary.

4. OTC anesthetic

A variety of pain-relieving liquids and gels can be purchased without a prescription to use for soothing hurting teeth and gums. The active ingredient in most of these products is benzocaine, which provides a temporary numbing effect. Dentists recommend using these products for no more than 10 days unless directed to do so by a medical or dental professional.

5. Clove oil

Clove oil is an old remedy that provides lots of relief when dealing with toothaches. The patient simply soaks a cotton ball in the oil and then rubs it on the affected area. It is a natural way to deal with toothaches, yet it can be just as effective as products that contain benzocaine.

Get permanent relief for tooth pain

There are a number of over-the-counter products and home remedies to alleviate tooth pain temporarily. While these methods can provide interim relief until a dentist is available, the only way to get permanent relief for a toothache is from a dental practitioner who can identify the underlying cause and treat the issue.

Request an appointment here: https://www.yourdowntownmckinneydentist.com or call Sam Patel DDS, PA at (972) 638-5848 for an appointment in our McKinney office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Related Posts

Dental Practice FAQs: How Are Cavities Treated?

While most people visit a dental practice every six months, others only go on occasion or not at all. For those individuals, the thought of seeing a dentist causes a lot of anxiety. Hopefully, the information provided about how a dentist treats a cavity will answer questions and put them at ease. These people will…

How Root Canal Treatment Can Treat An Infected Tooth

Having a root canal treatment for your tooth infection can give you relief. This condition can be debilitating. It can prevent you from performing your daily tasks. The discomfort can even hinder your nutrient intake. If you want to know how a root canal treatment can help you with your tooth infection, here are the…

Is Laser Dentistry Painless?

Many people dread going to the dentist because of the pain they associate with the drill, scalpel, and numbing shots. If this describes you, laser dentistry may be an option worth considering as a relatively pain-free alternative to traditional methods. For many patients, dental laser treatments help them manage dental anxieties while ensuring they get…

Six Cosmetic Dental Services You May Want To Consider

Cosmetic dental services might be what you need to improve how your teeth look. These are dental treatments that focus primarily on addressing aesthetic issues that ruin the appearance of teeth, like discoloration, poorly spaced teeth, or damaged teeth. There are typically multiple cosmetic dental services that can be used to address any given problem,…