Toothaches are one of the most uncomfortable types of oral pain to deal with. Ones that are persistent and severely painful are most likely the result of a tooth infection hidden beneath the surface of your enamel. Other types of tooth pain can be caused by something as small as a popcorn kernel stuck between your teeth and gums. No matter what, you should always contact your emergency dentist in Cary for assistance so you don’t accidentally damage your mouth even more. To help with the pain while you’re getting ready for your appointment, you can use one of these three toothache remedies that you’ll be able to find in your home.
Rinse with Salt Water
One of the first things you should do after you begin experiencing oral pain like a toothache is rinse your mouth with a salt water solution. If your problem is caused by a piece of lodged food, this can help it break free of the crevice it’s stuck in. Even if that’s not the case, salt water is a natural disinfectant that can address inflammation and help heal any oral wounds as well. To use this method, mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth. Be sure to spit it out afterward!
Place a Cold Compress on the Area
If you have a cold compress, or even a bag of frozen peas and carrots in your freezer, you can place it on the outside of your mouth where the affected area is. Not only will this help bring down any inflammation, but it will also cause your blood vessels to constrict, dulling the sensation of your nerves by slowing down how fast they’re able to communicate with your brain and let it register that you’re in pain. Be sure to wrap the cold compress, bag of ice cubes, or other frozen item in a dish towel to make sure that it doesn’t get too cold on your skin. Place it on the affected area for 20 minutes at a time and repeat the process every two to three hours.
Use Peppermint Tea Bags
If you’re a tea drinker, you’ll likely have some peppermint tea bags in your pantry. These can be used to help numb the area, soothe sensitive gums, and have also been found to have antibacterial and fungicidal properties. Steep your bag in boiling water and take it out and place it on a plate to let it cool down slightly. It should still be warm when you apply the tea bag to your tooth. If you’d like to speed this process up a little bit, you can place the bag in the freezer for a few minutes instead of leaving it out to cool down.
While these are all great ways to ease your tooth pain, they’re just temporary methods to address your discomfort, not the underlying oral health problem that may be causing it. That’s why it’s still important to visit your emergency dentist, even if you use one of these methods and your pain goes away for awhile.
About the Author
Dr. Bikram Singh understands that accidents can happen at any moment, which is why he tries to see them as soon as possible. He has decades of experience under his belt, allowing him to accurately diagnose common problems so patients can get the fast, pain-relieving care they require. He has also completed advanced education and training across the world at renowned establishments such as Royal London Hospital in England and Sacred Heart Hospital in Pennsylvania. If you’re in pain and need emergency oral care, visit Cary Dental Rejuvenation’s website or call 919-460-5454.