A toothache can range from a minor annoyance to debilitating pain — and not all of them require an immediate dental visit. Here is how to manage tooth pain at home safely, and the warning signs that mean you should not wait.
Safe Home Remedies That Actually Work
Rinsing with warm salt water reduces inflammation and can draw out some infection. Over-the-counter ibuprofen (if appropriate for your health situation) is more effective than acetaminophen for dental pain because it also reduces the inflammation causing pressure on the nerve. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic — dab a small amount on a cotton ball and apply it to the painful area.
What NOT to Do
Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum — this causes chemical burns to the soft tissue. Do not use painkillers as an indefinite substitute for dental treatment. Do not assume a toothache that resolves on its own has been fixed — it may mean the nerve has died, which is a progression of the problem.
Identifying the Cause
Common causes of toothache include: a cavity that has reached the nerve, a cracked tooth, a loose or failing filling, gum disease creating pressure around a root, an impacted wisdom tooth, and teeth grinding (bruxism). The location, duration, and triggers of the pain can help narrow down the likely cause.
When to Call Us Immediately
Contact Smileworks Dental right away if: the pain is severe or throbbing, you have swelling in the face or jaw, you have a fever, you have difficulty swallowing, or the toothache has persisted for more than a couple of days. These signs can indicate a spreading infection that needs urgent dental or medical attention.