Those looking for help with a toothache often turn to a general dentist for help. Dentists are a great resource because they work with teeth daily. In addition, general dentists can treat a toothache and tell patients how to manage one at home while waiting for their appointment.
When treating a toothache, it helps first to know what causes them. According to Healthline, tooth decay is the most common reason for toothaches. Additional toothache causes include fracturing a tooth, damaging a filling, having an abscessed tooth, and gum disease.
The list below includes three tips from a general dentist's office for relieving discomfort or pain in someone experiencing due to a toothache.
Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water is one of the more beneficial treatments for addressing a toothache. Performing a warm salt water rinse helps to clear out any bacteria in the mouth, which in turn helps to reduce any inflammation. This natural disinfectant also helps loosen any food particles stuck between teeth. A hydrogen peroxide rinse is also an option as it helps to remove bacteria and helps to reduce plaque and heal gums that are bleeding. Using an antiseptic mouth rinse is also an option.
Placing an ice pack or a cold compress can help relieve toothache pain, as the coldness helps to constrict blood vessels in the area. Constricting blood vessels helps to reduce one's toothache pain, as well as helps to reduce any swelling or inflammation in or around the toothache area. If using an ice pack, it is important to place the pack in a cloth, so the ice is not directly touching the skin. Cold can be used to treat the area for 20 minutes at a time, using the 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off method.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and acetaminophen can offer temporary pain relief. While many people will benefit from taking these over-the-counter medicines, there are also more natural pain-relieving options. For example, clove oil can be beneficial, as it is a numbing agent. However, some are allergic to clove oil, so this is not an option for everyone. Peppermint and oregano oil are two additional essential oils that can address toothache discomfort and pain.
If these pain relievers are insufficient, it is best to consult with the general dentist about specific pain relievers, which can be identified through an evaluation, including genetics and health history.
No matter the cause of the toothache, patients want relief from tooth pain as soon as possible. However, if you cannot get in to see a dentist immediately, the above suggestions should help you manage toothache discomfort until your appointment. Call a general dentist today for more advice on managing tooth pain.
Request an appointment here: https://www.genuinecaredental.com or call Genuine Care Dental at (408) 740-6002 for an appointment in our Saratoga office.
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