Rapha Dental is Emergency Dentist in Mount Holly. Call 856-829-8668!
Perform Self-Care
Healthy habits are one of the best ways to prevent a toothache. Be sure to exercise, maintain a healthy diet, brush and floss, and visit your dentist regularly.
Check to see if you have other conditions that could be putting pressure on your upper teeth, such as allergies or a sinus infection. You can also change the products you use. Stop using whitening gels or toothpaste and start using sensitivity products instead.
Brush and floss around the tooth gently to see if anything is stuck around it. Tying a knot in the floss and tugging it is the best way to grab large impactions.
Rinsing your mouth with salt water can relieve swelling in the gums. Do it at least 2-3 times per day. An ice pack is another effective method.
There are also natural, home methods to relieve tooth pain. They include:
- Chewing garlic
- Peppermint or clove olive oils
- Peppermint tea bags
- Aloe vera gel
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Meditation and relaxation techniques
These methods are also a way to help you wait until any medication comes in.
Get Over-The-Counter Relief
Swelling or inflammation are the most common causes of tooth pain, and medications to treat these issues are the most effective.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and Motrin are one of the best options. If you can’t take them, choose another pain reliever such as acetaminophen or a drop or gel.
Be careful when you use over-the-counter medicines that contain benzocaine. Don’t apply them directly to your painful tooth or gums. They can cause a condition known as methemoglobinemia which decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood.
Know When to See a Dentist
A toothache can quickly turn into an emergency situation. Signs include:
- Pain that lasts for more than a few days
- Fever
- Painful biting
- Unpleasant tastes
- Severely inflamed, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Swollen face or jaw
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Visibly infected, abscessed, or damaged teeth
These symptoms all point to a need for immediate dental treatment. They show that you’ve developed an infection or other serious condition that needs to be stopped before it gets worse.
Find Out Where to Get Help for a Toothache
A toothache is a common but important reason to visit a dentist’s office. If you can’t get there immediately, there are a few ways to get temporary relief.
Ice packs and gargling ice water reduce inflammation. Medications such as NSAIDs reduce pain.
Tooth pain becomes severe when it lasts for more than a few days. It may also cause symptoms such as swelling, fevers, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
These are signs that you need to visit my office at Ralpha Dental for help from an emergency dentist in Mount Holly. Book an appointment online today.
