Toothaches can happen at any time, anywhere, and to anyone. When they do make an appearance, they can cause severe pain and leave us wanting immediate relief. At our dental office in Madison, we understand the discomfort associated with a toothache and are here to share our top five tips to get rid of one.
Before we dive into the best toothache remedies out there, it’s important to note that a toothache is usually a sign of a bigger problem. While there are ways you can treat a toothache at home, please note that the relief is temporary and you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in Madison as quickly as you can to get treated.
Warm Salt Water – Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water until it dissolves then take a sip and swish the mixture around in your mouth. After a few seconds, spit it into the sink. You can repeat this a few times throughout the day. The salt can help dry out any fluid that may be putting pressure on the nerves and give you some relief.
Ice Packs – Ice has been a trusted method to treat many injuries because it can decrease inflammation. Toothaches are no different. Wrap an ice pack in a shirt or cloth and gently apply it your cheek for 15 minutes at a time. Make sure to give your skin a rest in between icings.
Anti-inflammatory Medication – If you can safely take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, it may help ease your toothache pain. Take any medications as directed and never apply a pill or a crushed up pill directly to the gums or tooth. This will only result in more pain and more problems.
Floss – Floss can be a lifesaver if your toothache is caused by a piece of food that’s wedged between your teeth. Simply take a piece of floss or a floss pick and carefully wiggle it between the painful area and try to remove anything that may be stuck in there. Don’t use too much pressure or be too rough.
Over-the-Counter Anesthetic – There are plenty of over-the-counter oral anesthetics designed to ease toothache pain. These anesthetics can provide temporary relief by numbing the area. However, oral anesthetics are not designed to be used for long periods of time.
Even though there’s no fool-proof way to completely avoid a toothache, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of one. Brushing and flossing daily as well as maintaining visits to our Madison dental office every six months can help protect your teeth and treat any problems before they have a chance to sneak up on you and cause a toothache.
Don’t let the pain of a toothache take its toll on you. Try the remedies above and see your dentist as soon as you can.
