Are you suffering from a toothache? We can help at Rider Family Dentistry in Cherokee, Iowa. Here are some valuable tips and tricks to relieve pain and keep you in the best possible shape. If you have a toothache and would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Dr. Cassady Rider and her friendly, skilled team are always glad to help.
What to Do When You Have a Toothache
The following suggestions may help you relieve pain until you get to a dentist for the needed treatment.
It’s important to note that you should first discuss any pain-relieving medication with your doctor or dentist before taking it. You may be allergic to certain types of medication. It’s also possible that you shouldn’t be taking a specific mediation type because of a particular condition. For example, pregnant women, in general, should avoid aspirin and should instead take Tylenol.
These tips, not necessarily in order of importance, should help manage the pain until you’re able to get the needed treatment.
- Schedule an appointment. A dental appointment is probably the first and most crucial step in treating a toothache. Even a minor toothache can be the beginning of a severe condition. It is possible to wait it out and see if your toothache goes away with home care, but why take that chance? Call us to schedule an appointment, and we’ll get you into the office as soon as possible. See also our Emergency Dental page if your pain is unbearable.
- Take a pain reliever. Pain-relieving medication can help reduce inflammation and alleviate toothache. Ensure you’re following proper medical advice to ensure you don’t have an unplanned reaction to taking medicine.
- Try an antiseptic mouth rinse. Ask your pharmacist for any recommendations. You can also mix a home-care solution—mix hydrogen peroxide 3% with an equal part of water. Swish through your mouth and teeth for 30 seconds and spit. Make sure you don’t swallow this solution. Follow this with a thorough rinse of clean water.
- Apply compresses to the affected area. Start with a warm, moist compress to the cheek outside the painful area for five minutes. Follow this with a cold compress in the same place until your face starts to feel numb. Repeat this cycle a few times.
- Keep your head elevated. When you lie down, more blood moves toward your head. This can increase pressure, sensitivity, and pain in a toothache. Especially when it’s time to go to bed, try propping your head up on a pillow or any means of keeping your head elevated and less pressure out of the painful area.
- Clean the painful area. If you have pain and swelling in the gums around a tooth, you may have an infection. Start by flossing around the area to clean and then rinse with warm saltwater. You can try massaging aloe vera juice on your gums with a clean finger before rinsing.
- Treat a more serious toothache from infection. You might also notice gum or jaw swelling near the painful tooth, pain when chewing, bad breath, and a sour taste. Before the illness worsens, it’s vital to seek treatment as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Let the Professionals Treat Your Teeth
The best solution is usually a dental examination. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your teeth and oral health. Even a minor toothache could be a sign of something more serious. Let’s look at the issue in more detail. There’s a strong chance we’ll be able to restore your teeth to optimal condition and prevent future toothaches.
Rider Family Dentistry is committed to making you smile. We adore seeing healthy smiles, and we know a great way to do this is by eliminating dental pain. Please get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.