Practitioners of general dentistry often see patients who have acute tooth pain. In many cases, pain in the teeth can indicate a problem requiring the attention of a dentist. However, sometimes it may not be possible to get to the dental office immediately. For example, if the pain occurs at night or on the weekend, it may be necessary to wait until the office reopens. Fortunately, there are things that a patient can do in the interim to ease the pain.
There are many different things that can cause dental pain. Because it is difficult to assess what is going on inside one's own mouth, determining the cause of the pain often requires an evaluation by someone licensed in general dentistry.
Matter that becomes wedged in the teeth is one possible cause of tooth pain. This can be either food material or other debris. For example, chewing on toothpicks can cause splinters. The following are other frequent culprits behind tooth pain:
Toothache remedies are short-term solutions to relieve pain until the patient can get to the dentist. Patients should not rely on these remedies long-term or in lieu of a general dentistry examination.
There are many natural remedies that have been suggested for toothache pain, but most have not stood up to scientific testing. Clove oil is an exception, having been shown effective at relieving pain when dabbed on the affected tooth and gums.
A cold compress is recommended when there is swelling as well as pain. An ice pack can help reduce the inflammation that causes swelling as well as numbing the pain.
If the cause of the pain is food or other debris caught between the teeth, gently flossing may dislodge whatever is causing the pain.
Rinsing the mouth with a solution of hydrogen peroxide or salt mixed with water can help with toothache pain because of the antibacterial properties of these materials. If there is debris stuck between the teeth, rinsing may help to dislodge it.
Pain-relieving medications available over the counter may help to keep tooth pain at bay temporarily. Adults can choose between aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Whatever the case, the pill should be swallowed, not rubbed on the gums. Children should only receive acetaminophen for tooth pain per dentists' advice.
Home remedies can help tooth pain in the short term. As soon as it is possible to visit a general dentistry office, a dental professional can then determine the cause and suggest treatment options for resolution.
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