Having a toothache is like having someone poking a stick at your jaw consistently. The pain that comes with a toothache doesn’t allow one to eat, talk or even sleep. The annoying part is that toothache can happen at any time of the day. And be sure that when it shows up, you won’t have rest.
Here, we’ll answer what causes toothache, provide some home measures that can alleviate emergency toothache, explain when you need emergency help for toothache, and fixes for an aching tooth.
What to do and not to do for a sudden toothache
Here are certain actions you should and shouldn’t take for a toothache:
- Raise your head
- Apply ice pack; don’t chew the ice
- Sleep on more pillows at night
- Keep up regular teeth brushing
- Carefully rinse knocked out tooth and place back into the socket
- Chew popcorn carefully; don’t chew on the kernel
- Quit smoking
- Your teeth isn’t a tool; don’t use them as one
- Avoid poking at particles stuck between your teeth with sharp or pointed things
Where the pain from the toothache is becoming unbearable, see an emergency dentist near me for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How to fix emergency toothache at home
You can adopt many different home solutions to toothache as some work well, and many don’t cause harm. But in all, they’re just a temporary solution to serious toothache-induced pain you have been dealing with for a long time.
See certain common home fixes for toothache.
- Shop-bought pain medication– You may begin with fixing toothache by using some mild pain medications, particularly the type known as NSAIDs. Common in this group are ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. Take them as instructed by the pharmacist. See a dentist if, after 2 or 3 doses, the pain persists.
- Oil of cloves– This solution of antibacterial has been around for years, and both orthodox and traditional treatments for toothache approve it. Cloves contain eugenol – a substance that relieves pain when applied after removing a tooth. Both shops selling health products and pharmacies have this product. Where you can’t get the oil, make a paste by grinding a clove with water. Place the paste on the pain area or put it in a tea bag and bite on it.
- Ointments for toothache– These are available in gels and drops. You can buy from shops and pharmacies. Their specific function is to treat dental pain and toothaches. But the relief they bring is non-permanent. So, visit a dentist for severe pain.
- Ice packs– This one is known to offer mild relief and fix swollen faces caused by tooth infection. Wrap a good number of ice in a bag and cover with a clean napkin or towel. Apply the napkin to your face for at most 10 to 15 minutes. Within this time, the cold from the ice will spread over the area. Do this every half an hour to an hour for the whole day. There have been cases where icepacks induce sleep regardless of the tooth pain.
- Saltwater rinse- A popular remedy is effective against bacteria and swelling.
- Try garlic- Though this might burn the skin and cause unpleasant breath, it’s worth trying.
- Baking soda– A slurry paste of baking soda and water placed on the pain area will subdue the acid that encourages bacteria growth. However, it’s still a temporary fix for toothache. Consult an emergency dentist St Albans.
What are the causes toothaches most of the time?
You can avoid the sleepless nights and miserable days when you know the possible causes of toothaches:
Tooth decay
Poor teeth cleaning habits cause bacteria formation and plaque attack on the tooth’s outer protective layer called enamel. As the enamel fails, holes or cavities appear, which expose the tooth nerves and cause pain. Minor cavities diagnosed early can be treated. Serious cases require tooth extraction. Early signs of tooth decay are teeth sensitivity and mild pain. Treating it early is important to avoid more serious discomfort.
Tooth abscesses
A tooth nerve infection is called an abscess – characterized by pus and sacs filled with bacteria on the tip of the root. An abscess is mostly caused by facial trauma, serious decay, deep gum disease, and injuries. Home solutions can’t contain the pain of abscess, however, a root canal or extraction are the usual fixes for this problem. To avoid abscess, treat decay early and avoid jaw and face injuries.
Gum disease
Unremoved bacteria and plaque cause an infection, which begins as gingivitis characterized by bleeding and soreness. Here, home solutions like saltwater rinses and flossing can bring relief. If not treated, gingivitis develops into a more serious condition that affects teeth and gums. Here, only a qualified dentist can help.
Trauma
The physical impact from objects in the environment can trigger a toothache. For instance, a fall, an accident from driving, playing sports, and working are causes of trauma. It’s important to protect yourself when doing any of these activities by wearing protective clothing. When you’ve got a facial or dental trauma, and over-the-counter painkillers aren’t working, you need to visit the ER (emergency room). But where the pain only affects your face and teeth, a dental visit is much better and less pricey.
Can I get an emergency room treatment for a toothache?
A dentist is the best bet for a dental problem as hospitals lack the equipment and manpower to fix dental problems. The best ER doctors do provide a prescription and encourage patients to see a dentist. ER is recommended for facial, dental, and other body parts injuries and when your neck swells due to swollen bottom teeth. Dentists provide quick and effective remedies for toothaches.
As much as possible, avoid taking a toothache to an ER. For ineffective home fixes, visit a local dentist.
How to avoid emergency toothaches
Take your oral health seriously by seeing the dentist for regular checks. Brush your teeth properly every day and be careful with physical activities. For help, see the St Albans emergency dentist.
