Posted on 8/30/2019 by Amir Sanjabi, DDS
A toothache may be unpleasant, but in most cases, it doesn’t warrant an emergency visit to our office. You should be okay to wait a day or two before an appointment, and there are some things that you can do to improve your comfort level until then.
Rinse With Salt Water
When it comes to oral health, rinsing with salt water can offer a wealth of benefits. It can rinse away any food particles that might be present and contributing to your discomfort, and it may clean out an infected area. Salt water can also reduce the risk of infection and may reduce inflammation.
Try A Pain Reliever
An over-the-counter pain reliever may provide substantial relief until you can get into our office. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are the most popular options to provide short-term pain relief. If you choose to take an aspirin, make sure that you swallow it like normal. Do not buy into any old wives’ tales that indicate you should put the tablet directly onto the affected tooth, as you will end up with acid burns on your gums.
Give Essential Oils A Shot
Certain essential oils can also help with a toothache. Peppermint and clove oil can help to numb the tissues of the mouth, but they are quite strong. Only dab a little onto a Q-tip before applying it to the affected area to see how your mouth reacts. If needed, you can then apply more until your tooth feels reasonably comfortable, but this is not a popular, of highly effective solution.
Even if your toothache seems to subside on its own, you’ll still need to follow up on our office. While the pain may come and go, the underlying cause won’t be healed without some type of dental treatment, so don’t cancel your appointment bust because you feel a bit better. Call us today to set up your appointment.