What to Do If You Get
a Toothache at Home???
What to Do If You Get a Toothache at Home???
While Ive been lucky to not have experienced this myself (still crossing my fingers hoping never to), I do see it all the time and many people have told me that a hot tooth or toothache is top 5 worst pains they have ever had. None of us want to experience this but the reality is that they happen, and when they do, they can be incredibly painful and disruptive, and they can happen to anyone at any time. While it’s always best to see a dentist as soon as possible, there are some things you can do at home to help manage the pain and discomfort until you can get professional help.
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1. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater: and I don’t mean go to the beach and rinse your mouth in the ocean ( please don’t!). Just mix a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can help reduce inflammation and alleviate some of the pain.
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2. Try applying a cold compress: Place a cold, damp washcloth or ice pack on the outside of your cheek near the affected tooth. This can help numb the area and reduce swelling.
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3. Use over-the-counter pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage the pain and reduce inflammation.
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4. Avoid hard or chewy foods: a tooth of yours may be on the verge of breaking or breaking more. Be very careful not to break the tooth any worse. Stick to soft foods and avoid anything that requires a lot of chewing, as this can exacerbate the pain and discomfort. and worsen your chances of saving your tooth.
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5. Don't put anything directly on the tooth: Avoid putting aspirin or other pain-relieving substances directly on the affected tooth or gums, as this can actually cause more harm than good. Please Don’t guerrilla glue, superglue, or elmers glue your crowns back on at home either! I’ve seen it all! I know some of you are do it yourself problem solvers, and I commend you, but trust me that this is one to leave to the dentist.
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6. Call your dentist! Even if the pain subsides or goes away completely, it's important to call your dentist as soon as possible. A toothache can be a sign of a more serious dental problem that needs to be addressed. If your pain goes away, it may only be gone temporarily. Better to be safe than sorry.
It’s always best to see a dentist as soon as possible in the case of a toothache, but in the meantime follow these tips to help alleviate the pain and discomfort until you can get professional help.
Best,
Alejandro Piedra, DMD
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