The obvious solution to any type of dental pain is to see a dentist as soon as possible. When you can’t get to your dentist right away, however, you may have to endure some amount of discomfort in the meantime. The following tips can help you minimize or stop a toothache while you wait for your dental appointment.
While this article provides a lot of important information and we highly recommend reading it all, if you’re just looking for a quick recap of the 6 steps, see below:
- Apply a cold pack or bag of frozen vegetables to the side of your face
- Taking an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Apply a hot pack to the side of your jaw
- Acupressure may be able to reduce toothache pain by causing the body to release endorphins
- Peppermint tea bags have mild numbing properties that can ease pain for a short time
Before You Do Anything
While your number one goal might be centered on eliminating tooth pain as quickly as possible, you need to consider the potential cause first. When our bodies experience pain, they are sending warning signals to our brains, telling them that something isn’t right. If you have oral pain, it’s generally a sign you have a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Oral pain can be caused by a variety of serious issues, including tooth decay, a damaged filling, a tooth fracture, infected gums or an abscessed tooth. If the latter has occurred, you could suffer serious complications without rapid treatment. These complications could include the loss of the tooth and supporting bone. In some cases, bacterial infections can also spread to other parts of the body, leading to hospitalization or worse. For these reasons, it’s important to seek emergency treatment if you show any of the following signs of an abscessed tooth:
- Red, swollen gums
- A fever
- A swollen, red bump in the mouth
- Blood or puss
- Throbbing pain
- Unpleasant or salty taste in the mouth
- Swollen face or jaw
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, STOP reading right now and call one of our experienced dentists:
Request an Appointment
Whatever the cause of your dental pain, it’s important to visit your local dentist for an evaluation. That said, if you suspect your dental pain is caused by a cavity or fracture, you can use the following strategies to minimize pain until you are able to see a professional.
The 2 Main Ways to Stop a Toothache
In general, there are two ways to stop or blunt toothache pain. The first involves reducing inflammation, while the second centers on interrupting the signals from the injury to the brain.
You can accomplish the first goal by applying a cold pack or bag of frozen vegetables to the side of your face. Just be sure to use a piece of cloth as a buffer, so you don’t accidentally damage your skin.
You can also reduce swelling and blunt pain signals by taking an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen. If you do take ibuprofen, try to continue taking the medication every few hours, according to the product label. Avoid taking the medication once and then stopping when you feel relief, or the pain and inflammation is likely to return,
If you don’t have ibuprofen, you can take acetaminophen instead; however, while this will help with the pain, it isn’t an anti-inflammatory medication.
4 Natural Ways to Stop a Toothache
In addition to cold packs and over-the-counter medications, there are some natural ways you can reduce tooth pain. These include:
1. Salt Water
You can clean infections and promote temporary pain relief by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. Just make sure not to swallow any of the saltwater while you rinse.
2. Hot packs
You can reduce discomfort by applying a hot pack to the side of your jaw. If you don’t have a hot pack, you can make one by filling a clean sock with rice and tying one end. Then, place the rice-filled sock in the microwave and heat it for a couple of minutes.
3. Acupressure
Some research suggests that acupressure may be able to reduce toothache pain by causing the body to release endorphins. There are specific key points on the body that are believed to be associated with oral discomfort. If you’d like to try acupressure, consider researching reputable internet resources for more information about these areas.
4. Peppermint Tea Bags
Generally considered safe, peppermint tea bags have mild numbing properties that can ease pain for a short time. Most people prefer to cool their tea bags in the freezer for a couple of minutes before use.
What to Expect at the Dentist
To treat your tooth pain, a dentist will first review your medical history and conduct an exam. He or she will ask specific questions about your toothache, including when it started, where it is located, how severe it is, what makes it feel worse and what makes it feel better. The dentist will then examine your gums, teeth and any other relevant areas. X-rays and/or other tests may be needed to determine the exact cause of the problem.
Once the dentist determines the cause, he or she will outline available treatment options. For cavities, you may need a filling. If the tooth’s nerve is infected, you may require root canal therapy. If the area has become infected, the dentist may prescribe antibiotic medication to kill bacteria. Occasionally, dentists will use phototherapy with a cold laser, along with other treatments to reduce inflammation and pain.
Depending on the seriousness of the issue, you may receive treatment immediately or a few days after your exam. If the latter occurs, your dentist may choose to prescribe pain medication to help you cope with discomfort while you wait.
Preventing Tooth Pain
The best way to deal with a toothache is to avoid it in the first place. You can reduce the risk of oral health issues by thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once. You should also eat a healthy diet, avoiding sugary or sticky foods and beverages. You should also be careful not to chew ice or hard items that might cause a fracture in your tooth. Finally, be sure to schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups, so you can get treatment for minor dental issues before they become painful problems that demand expensive treatments.
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