Most of us have dealt with one at some point in our lives, but not everyone has experienced a debilitating, persistently worse toothache. For many people, what starts as a mild annoyance can quickly grow into a severely painful tooth, and finding relief may require a visit to the dentist as soon as possible. Treating a toothache typically means finding out what’s causing it first. But fortunately, you may find temporary relief with these few tips until you can visit your dentist to cure your toothache for good.
Try This at Home
If your tooth suddenly begins to hurt and you have to wait to see your dentist, then try these tips at home for temporary relief:
- Floss your teeth—Sometimes, a tooth can hurt because there’s something caught between it and a nearby tooth. Try flossing all of your teeth, paying special attention to the spot that hurts, to see if dislodging debris relieves your toothache.
- Use an ice pack—Place an ice pack or cold compress on the side of your mouth that hurts to relieve some of the sensation. If swelling occurs around the tooth, then the ice pack will also help reduce the inflammation and bring the pain level down a notch or two.
- Take OTC pain medication—Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, such as aspirin or Tylenol, can help you find temporarily relief until you can make it to your dentist’s office. Be sure to mention the fact that you’ve taken medication as soon as you reach our office, before your dentist begins examining your tooth.
- Seek treatment immediately—Even if home remedies relieve your pain temporarily, most toothaches will keep coming back until your dentist treats the underlying cause of it. Whether it’s a cavity, a crack or fracture in your tooth, or worn down tooth enamel, an appropriate professional dental treatment is the only way to cure your toothache for good.