6 Tips To Relieve Tooth Pain Before Seeing An Emergency Dentist

Tooth pain can be sudden, sharp, and highly uncomfortable. It may start in the middle of the night or during a busy day, making it difficult to eat, speak, or think clearly. When this happens, you may not be able to see a dentist right away. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer while you wait.

So, what can you do when you’re in pain but the emergency dentist isn’t available yet?

Here, you’ll learn six simple and safe ways to relieve tooth pain at home before seeing a professional. These tips can help alleviate the pain, soothe the area, and make you feel a little better while you wait for proper care. One of the most effective ways to reduce tooth pain is to rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution. Salt is a natural disinfectant, and warm water can help ease the pain. They work together to clean the mouth and bring down swelling.

How to do it: Add one teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Mix it well until the salt is completely dissolved. After that, sip the drink and swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds. Don’t swallow it; spit it out.

Doing this a few times a day can help keep bacteria in check, calm inflamed gums, and remove debris. It also helps remove any food that is stuck between your teeth, which can cause the pain.

This method is safe, gentle, and suitable for both adults and children. Just be sure the water isn’t too hot. Warm water is preferable to hot water, as it can reduce pain rather than exacerbate it.

However, if the pain persists, it’s best to consult a reputed local emergency dentist. For instance if you are a resident of Hamilton, consult the best emergency dentist Hamilton like one at Belmont Dental. Belmont Dental’s expert cosmetic and family dentists provide comprehensive oral health treatment to patients of all ages in Hamilton, New Jersey, and throughout Mercer County.

2. Apply a Cold Compress

If your tooth hurts due to swelling, applying a cold compress can help alleviate the pain. It numbs the area and reduces swelling. This method works best if your cheek is swollen or if your face has been hurt.

You can use a cold pack from the freezer or wrap ice cubes in a clean towel to create a cold compress. Gently press it against the outside of your cheek, close to the sore tooth. Keep it there for about 15 minutes. After that, take a 15-minute break before doing it again.

The cold slows down blood flow to the area, which can help with swelling and pain. It won’t fix the tooth, but it might relieve you for a little while.

Don’t put ice directly on your skin or the tooth. That could damage your tissues or exacerbate the pain. Always use a cloth or towel to make a barrier.

This method is fast and easy, so you can use it when you need help right away.

3. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

When the pain gets too bad, over-the-counter painkillers can help. People often take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease pain and swelling. Most pharmacies and grocery stores have them.

Follow the instructions on the package every time. Don’t take more than the recommended amount. Consult a pharmacist or doctor if you’re unsure which one to take.

If your toothache is caused by inflammation, such as swollen gums or an infected tooth, ibuprofen is a great choice. If you can’t take anti-inflammatory drugs for health reasons, acetaminophen is a better choice.

These medicines won’t fix the problem, but they’ll help you feel better until you can see an emergency dentist. This is a temporary solution only. If you need to take painkillers for more than a day or two, see a doctor.

4. Keep Your Head Elevated

Lying down can exacerbate tooth pain. When you lie down, blood rushes to your head, which can aggravate the pressure around the sore tooth. This extra pressure can worsen the pain and throbbing.

If you want to feel better, try sleeping with your head up. While you sleep, you can use an extra pillow to support your head and neck. If you’re sitting or lying on a couch, lean back instead of lying flat on it. Keeping your head up during the day might help with pain.

This advice may seem too easy, but it works. Many people say that their pain gets worse at night, but raising their heads can help.

5. Avoid Hot, Cold, and Sweet Foods

Some foods can exacerbate your toothache. Eating or drinking something too hot, too cold, or very sugary can make your pain worse. If your tooth has a cavity, crack, or infection, the nerves in it may be exposed, which can cause this.

Try to avoid these things until you see a dentist. Eat only soft foods at room temperature, and won’t hurt your teeth. For example, think of yogurt, scrambled eggs, or mashed potatoes. Don’t eat ice cream, hot tea, candy, or anything crunchy that could get stuck in your teeth.

Also, chew on the side of your mouth that doesn’t hurt. This keeps the sore tooth from getting worse.

During this time, it can also be helpful to gently brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.

Conclusion

It can be scary and uncomfortable to have tooth pain, especially if you can’t get to a dentist right away. However, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the pain and protect your mouth until help arrives. These tips are safe and easy to try at home, such as rinsing with salt water, using clove oil, or avoiding hot foods.

Keep in mind that these are only short-term fixes. You should still visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause of the problem. Don’t wait too long; your smile needs the proper care.