Toothaches can ruin your entire day. Whether it’s a constant dull throbbing or sharp pain whenever you chew a certain way, they can cause significant discomfort. Fortunately, it is possible to get long-term relief from your toothache, as well as address its underlying cause.
Your best choice for long-term toothache relief is to visit our office. Our team of dental professionals can relieve your pain as well as diagnose and treat its cause. In the meantime, you can use home remedies to lessen your pain and prevent it from growing. Causes of toothaches can vary from tooth decay to incoming wisdom teeth.
How To Get Rid Of a Toothache
Toothaches can vary in pain from a dull ache to severe pain. Sometimes this pain is momentary or goes away after a little while. On the other hand, a toothache may last for days and only get worse over time. You need to know when it’s time to schedule an appointment with us to have it treated as well as how to best treat your toothache at home until then.
Toothache Relief in Powell, TN
Dentists are your best choice for toothache relief. Our team at My Family Dentistry understands that a toothache is never normal or something that you should live with. That’s why we focus on diagnosing and treating the cause of your toothache as much as providing you with relief from the pain.
You may find yourself on the fence on whether to schedule an appointment or not. This is especially true if your toothache doesn’t hurt that much or doesn’t last a long time. However, there are some clear signs that it’s time to make that appointment.
Give us a call immediately if you’re experiencing:
- Severe tooth pain
- Pain that lasts 24 – 48 hours
- An earache, fever, or other problems combined with your toothache
- Pain that is waking you up at night
During your appointment, we’ll look at your medical history and perform an exam to be as thorough as possible. We’ll also ask questions about the severity of the pain, when it started, and where it’s located to provide you with relief.
Home Remedies for a Toothache
You’ll probably want some relief until you’re able to come into our office. Fortunately, there’s a good chance that you already have some toothache remedies available in your home.
These include:
- Floss
- Saltwater mouth rinse
- Hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse
- Toothache pain relievers
Floss
You always want to maintain good oral hygiene habits, especially if you’re experiencing an oral health issue. Flossing may also help your toothache by removing any debris that’s stuck between your teeth. This can relieve pressure on your teeth as well as help remove any irritants that may be making your toothache worse.
Saltwater Mouth Rinse
Salt has been used for ages as a disinfectant and for good reason. It naturally fights acids that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, and can also help with a toothache. This is because salt water helps reduce swelling in your mouth, which is a primary culprit for toothaches. Combine a half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse like mouthwash.
Peroxyl Mouth Rinse
Peroxyl mouth rinses work similarly to saltwater rinses, especially if your toothache is the result of an infection. To make it, mix equal amounts of household hydrogen peroxide (3%) and water. Swish for 30 seconds.
Make sure to rinse your mouth out a few times with fresh water and never swallow the hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse. It’s best that this method is used only by adults to avoid swallowing.
Toothache Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers are also a great go-to since they can provide temporary relief until you can see us. Look for ingredients such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen for adults. Avoid giving aspirin to children under the age of 16.
Make sure that you follow instructions carefully to get the best relief possible until your dental appointment. Our team of dental professionals is your best option for long-term pain relief and good overall oral health.
What can cause a toothache?
Toothaches can have any number of causes. What’s important to understand is that there is usually a more serious underlying cause for it. This is why it’s so important to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.
Causes of toothaches include:
- Tooth decay
- Sinus infection
- Wisdom teeth
- Abscess/gum infection
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when the hard enamel that makes up the outer shell of your teeth begins to erode. This causes cavities that expose the nerves of your teeth. As more of your enamel disappears, you may experience increased sensitivity.
Sinus Infection
One surprising cause of toothaches are sinus infections. Unlike regular toothaches which usually affect only one tooth, sinus infections affect your upper molars and the surrounding teeth. You’ll also likely experience other sinus-related problems such as fever and having low energy.
Wisdom Teeth
The soreness from your wisdom teeth coming in can be especially painful. This is because there’s usually little room for them in your mouth so they come in at an angle. They may also get stuck and not come in fully, becoming impacted. This leaves you open to other dental problems such as gum disease. Click here to read our comprehensive article on gum disease.
Our team of dental professionals is your best source for toothache relief. We are able to diagnose and treat the cause of your pain for optimum oral health. There are plenty of home remedies you can use to treat your pain until your appointment. The cause of your toothache can range from tooth decay to something more surprising, such as a sinus infection.
Abscess/Gum Infection
An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. This can form either in the gums at the side of the tooth root or at the end of the tooth root, known as the apex. It can occur from an untreated cavity, trauma to the tooth, or old dental work breaking down. Sometimes it is associated with a foul taste or odor in the mouth.
Do you need immediate relief from your toothache? Schedule your appointment today and live pain-free!
My Family Dentistry is open Monday through Thursday and every other Friday. Give us a call at (865) 947-6453 or you can schedule an appointment online.