Suffering a toothache can be difficult. The most serious ones can impact your overall health and make it difficult to function and handle routine tasks. You should not have to endure such discomfort and pain. The good news is there are steps you can take at home to relieve these feelings and control the symptoms of toothaches. Before you can get to the dentist’s office, you can take care of yourself and the pains in your tooth.
Common causes of a toothache
Toothaches can affect people of all ages and have varying degrees of severity. Some are only noticeable when eating and do not get more intense. Others are so painful that the discomfort can affect the person’s ability to sleep. Tooth decay and abscesses are the most common causes of toothaches. When cavities reach the pulp of the tooth, extreme pain can result.
Other causes of toothaches include injuries and trauma to the tooth. A crack or fracture can make it painful to bite down or eat. Sometimes, teeth grinding can lead to toothaches. Gum disease often includes these symptoms as well. Some people feel tooth pain when teeth start to erupt.
Ice packs
Cold-compression packs are well-known to reduce inflammation and swelling. These can be effects from a toothache, so it makes sense to put an ice pack on the jaw in these cases. For the most effective results, leave the ice pack on for 20 to 30 minutes at a time several times a day. Ice packs can also soothe the throbbing pains that often accompany toothaches.
Over-the-counter medication
Because a toothache can bring unbearable pain, it makes sense to get on a regimen of medication. Over-the-counter options such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen can help the person control the shooting pains. The individual can then more likely eat and speak without being in discomfort. Be sure to follow the dosage directions for the drugs.
Salt water rinsing
Another possible home remedy for a toothache is to rinse with warm salt water. Mix a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of water. Then, gently swish the solution in the mouth for 20 to 30 seconds. This remedy can dislodge any food particles or other debris that could be aggravating the pain.
Herbal options
Some people have success with herbs when it comes to relieving a toothache. Chewing garlic, rubbing vanilla extract around the tooth, or placing a cooled peppermint tea bag on the tooth are popular choices. People may or may not notice a decrease in tooth pain, though some patients find the methods to be helpful. A patient who intends to try herbal remedies along with medication should consult the dentist.
Become free of tooth pain
Sometimes, a toothache may hit at a time when it is difficult or impossible to get to the dentist’s office. If this happens, you should not have to endure these feelings. There are things you can do at home to relieve your symptoms. You can then enjoy good oral health and feel well once again.
Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.
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