How to Deal with Excruciating Tooth Pain Before Your Appointment?
What Causes Tooth Pain?
Toothaches can be quite painful and can be caused by various things. If you’re experiencing tooth pain that lasts more than a few days, you must see a dentist near you for a checkup and possible treatment.
- Gum Disease and tooth decay
Various things can cause tooth pain, but the most common cause is gum disease and decay. Both conditions manifest as toothache and generally require antibiotics to treat effectively. Gum disease arises when plaque – formed due to bad hygiene and eating habits – accumulates on teeth enamel over time. When this happens, tooth decay and inflammation are inevitable. If left untreated, the periodontal infection can also spread and affect other teeth.
- Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity can occur because of problems like tooth decay, gum disease, cracked and chipped teeth, or inflammation of the gums. When these conditions are present, it can create a hospitable environment for bacteria and fungi to grow and cause tooth decay and pain.
- Abscess
Tooth pain may also be caused by cavities or abscesses in the teeth – either on their surface or inside. These dental infections often result in severe gum inflammation and toothaches. Abscess can also spread to the surrounding tissues and also lead to the destruction of teeth enamel due to xerostomia (dry mouth).
- Impacted Tooth
Impacted teeth occur when you lack enough jaw space to accommodate the teeth, and the wisdom teeth are the most affected. Impacted teeth can cause jaw swelling, pain, and weakening of the teeth, so speak to an emergency dentist near you for assistance.
What You Can Do
Toothache can be a real pain, and it’s no wonder many people turn to painkillers for relief. However, painkillers alone won’t do the trick – you need to do more to get your toothache under control. Here are a few tips to relieve severe tooth pain.
- Saltwater rinse
Use saltwater to rinse your teeth several times daily to soothe the itchy tooth and relieve the pain. Mix one part of water with two tablespoons of table salt, and fill a small pot or glass with this mixture. Swish the solution around your teeth for about 30 seconds each time you brush, then spit it out. This will help clean and disinfect your teeth and provide relief from the pain.
Additionally, drink plenty of fluids – especially cold water – to prevent dehydration from soaking into teeth and causing more damage.
- Cold compress
Ensure the compress is ice-cold and held on the tooth for at least 15 minutes. Ice chips can also work as well or put frozen vegetables in your mouth to numb the area around the toothache. If these methods don’t work, see a dentist who can prescribe an oral analgesic (painkiller).
- Peppermint tea bags
This remedy is generally effective and takes around 20 minutes to work its magic. However, be patient – it may take some time for the tea to take effect. In the meantime, keep a cup of hot water and a bag of mint tea on hand to soothe your teeth and gums quickly. Finally, if all else fails and traditional methods don’t work, see a doctor!
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse
Swish a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide mixed with water in your mouth and gargle for 1 to 2 minutes to relieve inflammation. Use a solution with 3% hydrogen peroxide, dilute it with equal parts of water, and rinse thoroughly without swallowing it.
How to Prevent a Toothache?
Toothache is preventable by taking care of your teeth through brushing and flossing. Additionally, visit a dentist in Seattle regularly to assess and clean the teeth to remove tartar. Avoid smoking, eating sugary foods, and drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. If the toothache becomes severe or lasts for a long time, seek medical attention.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit 3rd & Columbia Dental for more information about tooth pain and how to prevent it.