Toothaches can happen at any time and are usually the result of an underlying dental problem. It’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible when a toothache occurs to determine the cause and receive treatment to alleviate the pain. If a toothache is left untreated, the pain and symptoms could become worse.
If you are unable to seek immediate dental care due to traveling or other reasons, the American Academy of General Dentistry offers these tips to help reduce toothache pain temporarily until a dentist can be seen.
- Gently floss in between the sore tooth to remove any food debris or particles that may be lodged there.
- Gently rinse your mouth out with warm salt water.
- Purchase an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (acetaminophen, if it is for a child age 2 or older) and take according to directions on the package.
- You can apply oil of cloves or an over the counter antiseptic that contains benzocaine directly onto the gums or tooth. Both of these act as a numbing agent to temporarily relieve pain. Never place anything else such as aspirin or other pain relievers near the tooth or on the gum because they can cause the gum tissue to burn.
- A cold compress can be applied to the facial area if a trauma has occurred, to reduce pain and swelling.
Please keep in mind that these tips are in no way intended to substitute professional dental care and are provided for emergency purposes only to help alleviate toothache pain until a dentist can be seen.
Source:
Academy of General Dentistry What Causes a Toothache? 08 June 2008.
