Are you enjoying your life, eating the food you love, and then suddenly, bam! Severe toothache? You wouldn’t know when this pain could strike; it can suddenly appear out of nowhere and disrupt your peace and shake you with discomfort. In some cases, it can be due to an infection, trauma, or perhaps an underlying issue you had. In these crucial moments, you need to know how to handle them calmly and get to know emergency dental services just in case. Here are a few tips you can do to manage severe tooth pain until you get to your dentist:
1. Take pain relievers
The first thing to do is to alleviate the discomfort you are feeling by getting medications over-the-counter. Take into consideration to get nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain. Do not forget to follow the dosage instructions on the packaging! If you’re not sure which medicine to take or if ever the pain persists, make sure to consult with your healthcare provider.
2. Apply a cold compress.
Apply cold compress to your face near the affected area to reduce swelling and somehow manage the pain. You can use a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a cloth, don’t not apply it directly to prevent frostbite. Use it on your face for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse with warm salt water.
Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and also cleanse the affected area. Gargle a mixture of 1 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water. This can dislodge remaining food particles and soothe your sore gums.
4. Elevate Your Head
Elevate your head when lying down to reduce blood flow to the head. You can use extra pillows if needed.
5. Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
I know you have specific favourite foods out there, but try to avoid certain foods and drinks that can trigger your toothache, like extremely hot or cold beverages or dishes. Avoid sticky or hard foods, as they may irritate your affected tooth and can cause more damage.
Seek Immediate Dental Care
On the account that you are capable of getting immediate dental care, do so. While the mentioned remedies can alleviate your pain temporarily, it is still important to get a professional as soon as possible. Severe toothache can be caused by a more serious issue that you might need to address, like infections or cracked teeth. Contact your dentist, or if not, get an emergency dental service in your area. Some community health clinics can provide immediate assistance or they may have on-call dentists.
Summary
To carefully manage your severe tooth pain during an emergency situation, you have to stay calm and start first with over-the-counter medicines. Apply a cold compress, gargle with warm salt water, elevate your head when lying down, and avoid triggering foods and drinks. Though these home remedies can reduce your pain, they only serve as a temporary solution. It is still best to seek immediate attention from your healthcare provider or dentist to check up on you as a professional. Make sure to discuss with them what pain you’re feeling and the area where you think it might be for them to provide you with proper medications and prevent any further complications. If you want to enjoy your normal eating habits and favourite dishes, make sure to regularly visit your dentist for effective treatment.