Toothache Day
A toothache can make us miserable, make it difficult to eat, sleep, or sometimes even talk. It’s safe to say, toothaches are never pleasant and not really something to celebrate.
So for National Toothache Day, let’s talk about what you can do to prevent toothaches.
Since most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, good oral hygiene practices can help prevent toothaches.
Here are a few simple tips:
- Brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks.
- See your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning.
- Talk to your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications.
Despite all of your efforts, you may still develop cavities, have an accident that may break or chip a tooth, becomes sensitive to hot or cold, or develop an infection.
If you develop a toothache, the best thing to do is contact your dentist. They can help diagnose and treat whatever is causing your discomfort.
If your toothache starts in the middle of the night, while traveling or when you do not have immediate access to your dentist, you might try one of the following simple remedies to provide temporary relief until you can get to your dentist for treatment.
Cold Compress
It’s not uncommon for your mouth or face to swell up from pain after an injury, procedure, or dental problems. This remedy is straightforward but very effective in helping inflammation. Simply hold a cold compress up against your cheek in 5-10 minute increments to help provide relief. Not only does cold help swelling and inflammation, but it can also temporarily reduce pain.
Helpful tip: If you don’t have a cold compress handy, you can make one at home.
Just follow these steps:
- Put ice in a sealable, water-tight bag
- Fill the bag with water and squeeze the air out of it.
- Wrap it in a cloth and apply to the affected area
You don’t have ice? Freeze water in a bag, use frozen veggies or try putting a damp towel into the freezer.
Salt Water Rinses
One of the simplest but still useful tips we recommend is to use a salt-water rinse to provide temporary relief for pain:
- Use warm water so the salt will dissolve better, but avoid overly-hot water, so you don’t further aggravate any sensitive or hurting areas
- Pour a few teaspoons of salt into a cup of warm water
- Rinse with the mixture and then spit it out
Tooth Pain Medications
You’re likely to have some over-the-counter medications readily available. Most people keep medicines in their cabinet, or a first-aid kit that provides temporary relief for pain or inflammation that will help with your toothache. When taking medications, it’s essential to follow the dosing and application instructions provided on the package.
Toothaches are not always severe. Intermittent pain may seem like just an inconvenience and not worth an immediate call to the dental office, but waiting until the pain becomes worse is rarely the best option. Whatever the type and severity of your tooth pain, it is best to call your dentist and make an appointment. The causes of toothaches are not always clear, and a conclusive diagnosis as to the source of the pain and subsequent professional treatment is always the best course of action.
