Debbie Dental problems affect over 40 percent of the adult population. Some pain goes away on their own, while others stick around longer.
However, if we don’t get help from a dentist, a small oral problem can turn big. For example, an unnoticed tooth abscess can spread and lead to a trip to the emergency room.
Even if you have minor throbbing pain, going to the dentist can prevent a potential disaster. Your provider can help detect a hidden cavity or infection and treat it immediately. In the meantime, continue reading to learn what to do when your teeth hurt.
Apply a Cold Compress
You can place a bag of frozen veggies to the side of your face for 20 minutes at a time. Just be sure to use a piece of fabric as a buffer so you don’t get frostbite. This can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory Medication
Anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, can decrease swelling and block pain signals. If you do use this medicine, attempt to take it every few hours as directed on the product label.
Avoid discontinuing it once you feel better. Otherwise, the pain and inflammation are likely to reoccur.
Rinse With Salt Water
Washing your mouth with warm salt water can eliminate infections. It can also provide short pain relief and speed up the healing process. Plus, it can reduce inflammation at the same time.
Use Heat Pack
Apply a heat pack to the side of your jaw to alleviate pain. You can create one by stuffing rice into a clean sock and tying one end. Then, microwave the rice-filled sock for a couple of minutes.
The heat will reduce pain signal transmission and relax your muscles. This can provide quick relief before you see your dentist.
Use Peppermint Tea Bags
These tea bags can numb the toothache, which acts as a temporary solution to the pain. Most people like to chill their tea bags in the freezer for a few minutes before using them.
You can also add the bags to the hot water and wait for it to cool. This provides a pleasurable feeling to divert your attention away from your toothache.
Why Do My Teeth Hurt?
There are many causes of tooth pain, and your dentist knows where to begin. The common causes are trauma, infections, and cavities. Sometimes, food can get lodged between your teeth, resulting in significant pain.
If your job is stressful, it can manifest into teeth grinding at night. This can lead to severe jaw pain, making it difficult to chew your food. If you haven’t been brushing and flossing twice a day, you may experience gum disease.
Seeing a Dentist: What to Expect?
A dentist will first evaluate your medical history and perform an examination. He or she will ask specific questions regarding your toothache, such as:
- When did it begin?
- Where is the pain located?
- What is the severity of the pain?
- What makes the pain better or worse?
After that, they will inspect your gums, teeth, and any other pertinent regions. They will use an X-ray for a closer look. Depending on the results, you may need a filling if you have cavities.
A root canal is a solution for infected teeth. If the infection has spread, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to eradicate it. Whatever the case is, click for an emergency dentist to help you today.
Find Out More About What to Do When Your Teeth Hurt
The first step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist to find the underlying cause. After that, use some of our tips and tricks above to keep your pain under control. Going to the dentist might seem frightening, but you will be glad that you did.
The best way to cope is to gain knowledge of the dental world to know the possibilities. With that in mind, check out our blog posts to know what to do when your teeth hurt.
