When you’re experiencing tooth pain, it can disrupt your life for several days. From tooth sensitivity while eating to throbbing pain keeping you up at night, most toothaches indicate a more extensive problem in your mouth.

There are several causes of toothaches, such as a broken tooth, decay, and worn enamel due to teeth grinding. However, the only way to find tooth pain relief and determine the cause of the problem is by scheduling an appointment with your dentist.

Not all tooth problems require a trip to the dentist. However, since the issue often lies beneath the gum tissue, seeing a dentist is the only way to find out what’s wrong. It is important to address tooth pain early to receive proper treatment and prevent it from worsening.

Immediate At-Home Remedies for Tooth Pain

You want to know how to stop tooth pain quickly when you’re in discomfort. Many home remedies can help you manage your discomfort while you wait for your dental appointment.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Most people have over-the-counter pain relievers in their medicine cabinets. Medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen effectively minimize the pain and inflammation of toothaches. These short-term solutions are affordable but must be taken as indicated on the package.

Salt Water Rinse

A salt water rinse is one of the oldest at-home remedies for oral health conditions. Saltwater has natural antibacterial properties, and using it as a rinse can dislodge debris stuck between the teeth.

Make your saltwater rinse by mixing half a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water. Warm water helps the salt dissolve better than cold, but overly hot water can aggravate sensitive areas. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. You can repeat this rinse several times a day to ease your pain.

Cold Compress

It’s not uncommon for a toothache to cause swelling in your face or mouth. A cold compress can ease these symptoms, whether you use an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables. It is a straightforward and cost-effective way to fight inflammation.

Wrap the compress in a dish towel or napkin. Then, place it on your cheek near the affected tooth for approximately 20 minutes. The cold causes your blood vessels to constrict and reduce blood flow. It can assist in reducing swelling and discomfort.

Hard or Chewy Foods

Eating hard or chewy foods requires a significant chewing force that can put excessive pressure on the tooth. This additional force can irritate the area and cause further pain and discomfort. When you experience tooth pain, stick to soft foods like soup, yogurt, or soft-cooked vegetables.

When to See a Dentist

Every scenario involving a toothache is different, so you must consider several factors when deciding whether it’s time to see a dentist. If you have mild discomfort, you might want to wait a day or two to see if it improves.

You may have something lodged between your teeth, and a saltwater rinse could dislodge it and relieve your pain. If the pain lasts more than two days, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your Greenville family dentist at Monroe Family Dentistry.

Severe, persistent pain accompanied by a fever or swelling should be attended to promptly. Pus or redness is a visible sign of infection, and you’ll need an antibiotic. Additionally, sharp stabbing pain can indicate nerve issues that warrant immediate intervention from a dentist.

What to Expect at the Dentist

When dealing with a toothache, the anxiety can be as overwhelming as the discomfort. Knowing what to expect at your appointment can ease your mind. The appointment will start with a dental exam to diagnose the cause of your pain. The exam may include:

• A physical exam to check the affected area
• X-rays to get a detailed view of the tooth
• A medical history review to understand potential underlying health issues

Your dentist will then recommend treatment based on the diagnosis. Potential treatments include a filling, root canal, or extraction.

Seeking early treatment can prevent more severe issues by allowing the dentist to identify and treat problems like cavities or infections in their early stages. Otherwise, they can develop into more complex complications, like abscesses or tooth loss.

Treating tooth pain early on is usually less expensive than managing advanced dental issues. Early intervention also helps preserve natural teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted if left untreated.

Find tooth pain relief at Monroe Family Dentistry.

Over-the-counter pain relievers and other home remedies can temporarily relieve a toothache, but they do not usually resolve the problem. The best way to find permanent relief is by visiting an experienced dental team.

Monroe Family Dentistry offers expert care and relief for those seeking emergency or family dental in Greenville, SC. Contact us today, and we’ll help you get back to smiling comfortably in no time!