Every patient is unique. Some individuals put off their dental exam till the very last minute, while others hurry to an ER at the first sign of toothache. In any case, everybody wants what is ideal for their smile. Tooth pain can sometimes be uncomfortable, and a hunt for a dentist could leave you questioning where to begin. For this reason, you should recognize when it is necessary to seek immediate dental care and what you may do to ease your Novi tooth pain as you await an appointment. Sometimes, if your toothache persists, you must consult a dentist immediately as it might point to a more serious dental concern. Continue reading to learn more.
What Is Triggering Your Toothache?
It is crucial to take time and self-reflect to determine the root cause of your toothache. Are you very diligent about flossing and brushing your teeth? When was your last dental examination or professional teeth cleaning? These questions are a good starting point for determining the source of your toothache. From here, you may establish the severity of your toothache and whether you need to seek immediate dental care. Typical reasons for toothache include:
- Gum disease
- Abscessed tooth
- Cavity
- Bruxism
- Cracked or chipped tooth
How To Alleviate Your Toothache?
Whilst waiting for dentistry consultation, there are procedures you may undertake to alleviate tooth discomfort at home, including:
- Nonprescription Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can relieve inflammation and discomfort. Follow the instructions on the container to determine the appropriate dosage. However, note that this is only a momentary solution; thus, you should visit your dentist to fix the underlying source of your toothache.
- Rinse with Salt Water
Dentists suggest this procedure as an at-home treatment for alleviating inflammation and infection. Rinsing your mouth with salt water several times daily can help eliminate germs and clean the mouth. Even better, you could also use dental floss to remove any bacteria or debris and wash it off using salted water for an efficient therapy until you see a dentist.
- Cold Therapy
Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the face may alleviate some tooth pain and minimize inflammation. However, avoid placing a cold compress or placing ice straight on the teeth or afflicted region as this may exacerbate the discomfort. Sometimes, lightly rubbing it on the face could soothe tender areas.
- Use Garlic
Garlic has several healing effects, including for your teeth. Besides being a pleasant complement to numerous foods, it could also be used medicinally. You may opt to chew the garlic clove or pound it into a puree and massage it on your teeth. However, before your dental appointment, brush your teeth to avoid a ‘garlic’ mouth breath.
- Rinse with Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide will function similarly to salt water by combating bacteria and infection within the mouth. Simply mix a modest quantity with water to create a mouthwash solution. Although it may not alleviate your toothache, hydrogen peroxide will keep the infection from spreading ahead of your dental checkup.
If you are having tooth discomfort, you should get immediate treatment and not wait till your next planned dental exam. A toothache could be a sign that a tooth is in danger and must be treated accordingly. At Novi Family Dentistry, Dr. Abir Faraj and her expert staff employ a full scope of dentistry procedures, including gum disease care, root canals, extractions, fillings, etc., to address tooth pain concerns. Moreover, Dr. Faraj educates patients on proper tips to avoid the occurrence of a toothache. To learn more, arrange an appointment through mobile or book online today.