My Achy Achy Tooth.

Toothaches can come on quickly and painfully. It’s generally an indicator of a more serious issue which will require a visit to the dentist to fix.

To help manage the pain, there are several effective home remedies that will help ease your toothache before your dentist appointment.

What causes a toothache?

The pain from a toothache ranges from a dull ache to a sharp pain in or around the tooth. It might also be accompanied by swelling around the tooth, leaking fluid from the tooth, and/or a headache.  

Toothaches can occur for numerous reasons that are best identified with an oral exam. The top causes include:

• Dental cavities
• Infection
• Injured or abscessed tooth
• Gum disease
• Trauma to the tooth
• Sensitive teeth.

If your toothache occurs when consuming hot or cold foods, this may either be a sign of a cavity or it could mean you could have very sensitive teeth. This is caused by receding gums or thin tooth enamel. A soft-bristled toothbrush and specially-formulated toothpaste can provide sensitive teeth relief.

The Best At-Home Pain Relief for Toothache

If your toothache is severe or hasn’t subsided in 1-2 days, you need to book in to see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to diagnose and treat your toothache immediately to provide you with pain relief.

In the meantime, you can receive short-term relief with simple remedies that will help ease the toothache. You can use over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen to help take the edge off, and a cold pack will help with any swelling and help relieve the pain. A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel will usually work best. But the best remedy is a saltwater gargle; it’s a natural disinfectant that can help reduce inflammation. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and use as a mouth wash (don’t swallow!).

How to Prevent Toothaches

As most toothaches are usually caused by some form of tooth decay, the best treatment is prevention. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing (using a toothpaste containing fluoride) and flossing at least twice a day along with regular rinsing using an anti-septic mouthwash. Keep sugary, cavity-producing foods to a minimum and check in with your dentist for professional cleaning 1-2 times a year.

If it’s that time of the year to get your teeth checked, come see us at Mint Dental Mudgeeraba. Book your appointment by contacting us today.