Help Relieve Toothache at Home
Because toothache is quite rare, it is usually a good idea to get to a dentist as soon as possible when you do experience it. More often than not, dental pain is indicative of a hidden underlying cause. If left untreated the condition may cause further complications and could rapidly become very serious.
For an appointment at the best of the dental clinics near Hornsby Hospital, contact Gentle Care Dentistry. Don’t wait; do it today.
We lead busy lives nowadays so your appointment with the dentist may be several days from now. Possibly even a week or two. So, in the meantime, let’s have a look at a few things you can do yourself, at home, to relieve the pain.
Identify or locate the pain.
Has a filling fallen out?
Is a tooth broken or visibly chipped or otherwise damaged?
Is the pain in the tooth or in the gum or jawbone?
Is the pain constant or intermittent?
Is there any bleeding in the mouth?
Does it hurt only when you bite?
Is there any swelling?
Irrespective of the type or location of the pain, there are a few ways to relieve it and to take precautions against further problems.
Salt water mouthwash
Salt water is a natural disinfectant. It can kill the bacteria in the mouth to arrest any infection and also help with healing of any lesions in the mouth.
Dissolve a couple of teaspoons of salt in half a glass of water. Gargle for a few seconds to rinse the throat area and then swirl the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Hydrogen Peroxide rinse
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant. Dilute with water and rinse the mouth thoroughly. Do not swallow!
Clove Oil
Clove oil has been used as a dental anaesthetic since time immemorial. Drip one or two drops onto a small piece of cotton wool or an earbud and apply to the affected area.
Cold compress
Wrap a small bag of ice in a thin towel and hold this against the outside of the affected area. The cold will numb the pain somewhat and also help to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Over-the-counter medication
A number of anti-inflammatory or oral anaesthetic preparations are available over the counter. These will, however, only help to manage the pain. They will not reduce or prevent any infection.
Various natural remedies
There are several natural remedies that are believed to assist in relieving pain or reducing inflammation. These are mostly derived from plants like garlic, thyme, wheatgrass or guava leaves, to name a few.
Other than relieving the pain, you can also avoid aggravating it.
Avoid very hot or cold foods
Avoid hard or chewy foods that need pressure to chew
Avoid acidic or very sweet foods
Chew food on the opposite side of the mouth to where the pain is
While applying any of these remedies or techniques, remember to maintain normal oral hygiene at all times. Brush and floss as normal to keep further damage at bay.
And, don’t forget to follow up on your appointment at Gentle Care Dentistry, your dedicated dentist in Hornsby.
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